@wsh66

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid. It was first thought to be so different from opioids that it wasn't addictive or one wouldn't become dependent onit, so it was freely prescribed. However, it is now in the same class as opioids. I remember I had my first Tramadol in 2006 when I fell and broke the radial head in my left elbow. I was fortunate that they were able to set it while I was under anesthesia preparing for surgery on it. I felt great on the Tramadol for 3 months, even euphoric. Then I stopped it suddenly, and began experiencing withdrawal symptoms of paranoia and extreme anxiety. I called the orthopedic office and they helped me withdraw slowly from it, even though I still had some withdrawal symptoms.

I had been taking it for a year after my laminectomy in December 2016, and I used CBD this time to withdraw. Tramadol didn't make me want more or higher doses, but I did become dependent on it for pain reduction. And, it worked great for every pain from arthritis to TMJ. I wanted to try THC and CBD for chronic pain instead and my Pain Doctor said he couldn't prescribe Tramadol if I used marijuana, even though it is legal in California. I've been Tramadol free since about March of this year, and I'm happy to be off.