Tramadol is a pain reliever used to manage moderate to severe pain. If you have been taking it for a long time, it is likely that your body has developed dependence on the drug; when you stop taking therapy, you run the risk of suffering from dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Before attempting to detox on your own, read up on the effects you can expect, how to safely reduce the dose, and know when to seek outside help.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Detox Process
Step 1. Talk to your doctor first
You may want to stop taking it on your own, but it is best to let your doctor know so that he can help you gradually reduce the dosage to minimize the effects of withdrawal.
Always contact your doctor whenever you feel the need
Step 2. Learn about the physical symptoms of withdrawal
The list described below covers the complaints you are likely to experience during detoxification; however, in the end you have no choice but to take this path. If you have any symptoms not included in this list, you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
- Diarrhea;
- Headache
- Nausea and vomit;
- Breathing problems
- Tremors
- Sweating;
- Chills;
- Goose bumps.
Step 3. Expect psychological symptoms as well
Stopping taking tramadol is somewhat different than detoxifying other opioids due to its antidepressant effects. Consequently, the following mental and mood disorders are always present when this type of painkiller therapy is discontinued:
- Insomnia;
- Anxiety;
- Intense desire to take the drug;
- Panic attacks;
- Hallucinations.
Step 4. Accept that it takes time
Withdrawal symptoms typically reach their maximum intensity 48-72 hours after the last dose and can last from a few days to a few weeks. The severity of the complaints also depends on the level of dependence and the dosage you followed during therapy.
Step 5. Learn about the use of other medicines
Suboxone is used for opioid detoxification and you can have it prescribed by a licensed physician; prevents most withdrawal symptoms and the desire to take tramadol.
- The other active ingredients that relieve symptoms are clonidine - which controls agitation, anxiety and nausea - and buprenorphine which shortens detoxification times.
- If you want to gradually reduce the dose without resorting to specific medications that support detoxification, it is still in your best interest to ask for an antidepressant. Since tramadol has antidepressant effects, you may experience moderate depression while trying to stop taking it.
Part 2 of 3: Stop Hiring
Step 1. Plan a dose reduction program with your doctor
A sudden interruption of therapy generates particularly intense and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures. Instead, stick to a "tapering" plan regardless of the situation you are in. A gradual process prior to total withdrawal of the drug helps the body adapt, reducing pain and dangerous symptoms; the method used to put this process into practice depends on the presence of other mental and physical pathologies.
- Guidelines for phasing out opioids include a 10% dose reduction per day, 20% dose reduction every three to five days, and 25% per week. It is never recommended to halve the quantities every day at any stage of the process.
- For example, if you are taking three pills a day, you can start by taking two - one in the morning and one in the evening. Over the course of a week, switch to just one pill per day (in the morning) and continue for another seven days. Stop taking pain relief completely after taking half a pill daily for a week.
Step 2. Take care of yourself
Set up a routine that is helpful in relieving symptoms. Respect a light but nutritious diet, so as not to tire the already suffering gastrointestinal tract and at the same time provide the body with all the necessary substances, while adapting to the new conditions. It is important to drink copious amounts of water, as it plays a vital role in the healing process and a lot of fluids are lost quickly during detox.
- Use a warmer or cold packs to regulate your body temperature, manage the flu-like symptoms that plague you, and feel more comfortable. very hot showers are perfect for soothing the musculoskeletal pain that is very common in these cases.
- You can use over-the-counter pain relievers safely to manage withdrawal discomforts.
- Going for a walk or doing some light physical activity increases the concentration of serotonin, which in turn counteracts depression.
Step 3. Take natural supplements
There are some products that you can use in a targeted way to manage physical and mental discomfort. While reducing the dosage of tramadol, take L-tyrosine which supports brain function; you can also try valerian which counteracts sleep difficulties caused by a lower dose of the opioid.
Talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement; even natural ones can negatively interact with prescription drugs and even with some diseases
Step 4. Avoid alcohol
You don't have to take any drugs or alcohol while detoxing. Since the combination of the two is dangerous, even small doses of tramadol and alcohol can worsen withdrawal symptoms such as depression, cause mental confusion, trigger suicidal instincts, loss of consciousness, brain damage and hypoventilation.
Part 3 of 3: Seeking External Support
Step 1. Do some research on addiction treatments
Consider joining a tramadol detox program. You can talk to your doctor to find out if outpatient therapy or hospitalization is needed to be able to stop using this drug. Addiction recovery programs include the planning of therapeutic pathways that provide medical and psychological support or meetings of support groups to understand the reasons that lead the person to abuse the drug and to help him quit.
- Inpatient treatments include a long hospital stay and are used in severe cases of addiction; through these treatments the patient is in a safe and controlled environment throughout the detoxification process.
- Outpatient treatments include pharmacological and psychological therapies, allowing the patient to continue their routine at home; they are used in less severe cases for people who want to continue their activities and maintain interpersonal relationships during detoxification.
- If you decide to go to a specialized center or clinic, do some prior research to find the facility closest to you.
Step 2. Get expert advice
Psychologists, doctors, and psychiatrists are all licensed professionals at your disposal to help you resist the urge to persist in drug addiction. Behavioral therapies help find ways to manage the desire to take tramadol; experts can suggest strategies for avoiding relapses and how to deal with them if they arise.
Step 3. Get psychological therapy
Once you have freed yourself from addiction, it is important to start examining the roots of the problem. The drug often represents a way to cope with life and intense emotions. Through behavioral therapy you can seek and find the causes and factors that contributed to the problem and learn new ways to heal the wounds imparted by life's hardships.
Step 4. Consider joining a support group
These organizations, such as those that propose 12-point recovery, offer a valuable opportunity to stay "clean" by associating with people who are fully aware of the problems you are facing. During the meetings you can share your difficulties and exchange tips to manage daily life during and after the detox. Groups provide the greatest contribution to avoiding relapse, because they represent an important point of reference that you must be accountable to.
