[addicted2]

Ok, so its been a few days now. How are ou doing heyhelp21?

My doctor prescribed me tramadol and i couldent help but love this medication. After taking 9 50mg tablets in just 4 hours at a friends house, i realized i had a problem. The very next day i stoped taking this "wonder" drug. It has been 48 hours now and i feel like ********************. But to be complety honest, i know i can do this cold turkey. I had been taking tramadol for about 4 months because of a neck problem. Reading about all of your experiences on this forum has really helped me out alot.

[FastNOC]

I have been addicted to tramadol for 6 years now. I started getting the tolerance and was up to 15 to 17 pills at a time, every 4 to 5 hours.

I had two seizures from it. but i was also walking to tijuana from san diego and getting them cheap.

a few years later I've had some problems.

I lost my job in april. I lost my car two weeks ago. no way to get it back (repo). Now I've run out of pills. I've been working hard to get down. I was taking 85 to 90 a day when ig ot them in mexico. but I've shrunk that down to instead of 15 at a time, to 6. Taking about 30 per day.

I'm going through horrible withdrawals. In fact, I had a panic attack i think. I felt like i was outside my body. The brain zaps are awful they're frequent too.hot then cold, horrible sweating etc. unbelievable anxiety. I am shaking and i have had to come back to the PC 3 times so far just to keep typing.

I'm being evicted this week. I THINK i can hold them off for one more day, but once that happens it's over. I don't have family here so i'll be homeless. I'm so broke I can't afford to eat. Thankfully the only things in my life are oK. my cats. but when i get evicted they'll be taken to the shelter.

I don't know what to do. i get this awful 'heat' on my arms that turns them red and they feel very hot to the touch.

Not only this, i'm a just diagnosed diabetic. my eyes have been going down fast. But i can't afford any medicine. My glucose has gotten as high as 500 and it's never gone less than 250 in the last month. currently it's about 350.

I wantt o call an ambulance, but as sad as this is to say, can't afford to get home. i can't call a cab. and If they give me a prescription I can't fill it anyway. I have to call the landlord to hold them off. I did just get a new lease on life with a job working from home but i don't think i can hold of the eviction long enough to do it.

I have no family, no friends and I'm very scared. I went from 145,000 per year to nothing in a year. I can't even take my belongings out of my home because i have no car, or anywhere to put them if i did. I closed myself off because I got so very depressed. but the tramadol allowed me to mask that and be' psuedo happy'

How can I get help? what do i do? I'm not asking for a miracle but I'm afraid

[addicted2]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

I have been addicted to tramadol for 6 years now. I started getting the tolerance and was up to 15 to 17 pills at a time, every 4 to 5 hours.

I had two seizures from it. but i was also walking to tijuana from san diego and getting them cheap.

a few years later I've had some problems.

I lost my job in april. I lost my car two weeks ago. no way to get it back (repo). Now I've run out of pills. I've been working hard to get down. I was taking 85 to 90 a day when ig ot them in mexico. but I've shrunk that down to instead of 15 at a time, to 6. Taking about 30 per day.

I'm going through horrible withdrawals. In fact, I had a panic attack i think. I felt like i was outside my body. The brain zaps are awful they're frequent too.hot then cold, horrible sweating etc. unbelievable anxiety. I am shaking and i have had to come back to the PC 3 times so far just to keep typing.

I'm being evicted this week. I THINK i can hold them off for one more day, but once that happens it's over. I don't have family here so i'll be homeless. I'm so broke I can't afford to eat. Thankfully the only things in my life are oK. my cats. but when i get evicted they'll be taken to the shelter.

I don't know what to do. i get this awful 'heat' on my arms that turns them red and they feel very hot to the touch.

Not only this, i'm a just diagnosed diabetic. my eyes have been going down fast. But i can't afford any medicine. My glucose has gotten as high as 500 and it's never gone less than 250 in the last month. currently it's about 350.

I wantt o call an ambulance, but as sad as this is to say, can't afford to get home. i can't call a cab. and If they give me a prescription I can't fill it anyway. I have to call the landlord to hold them off. I did just get a new lease on life with a job working from home but i don't think i can hold of the eviction long enough to do it.

I have no family, no friends and I'm very scared. I went from 145,000 per year to nothing in a year. I can't even take my belongings out of my home because i have no car, or anywhere to put them if i did. I closed myself off because I got so very depressed. but the tramadol allowed me to mask that and be' psuedo happy'

How can I get help? what do i do? I'm not asking for a miracle but I'm afraid

The situation you are in sounds absolutly horrible, but knowing the economy these days you are not the only one in that boat. First thing is first, dont be afraid to ask for help.

I am 2 days into my cold turkey quit and just happened to nod off and for some reason i jumped up out of bed and had to get up. This is the strangest thing that i have ever had to do in my life. I just pray that it dosent last long.

Back to your situation, if you do find yourself on the streets im sure there is a church somewhere in california that will help you, or know how you can get help. Im not a religious person, but one thing i have learned is that church and religion teach people good values, and the people that take advantage of religion are more than likely willing to help. You can stop doing drugs, i promise that.

Good Luck from someone suffering just like you, just in another time zone.

[FastNOC]

thanks for replying. the anxiety has left but it's only a short thing it'll be back in a few minutes.

the problem i'm most concerned with is what do i do for the er? should I call an ambulnace? do they have anything to help people get home if they don't have the means?

[FastNOC]

Listen I'm sorry I'm asking these questions. I know it's not eveyone else's problem. I just don't know what to do and I am SO mad atmyself for getting to this point. it's 100% my own fault.

The other thing is if this isn't really emergency related, like I'm just being a baby I'm sure i'll get less than favorable treatment from an angry er. I'd be mad if someone came in that was over reacting like that.

[addicted2]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

Listen I'm sorry I'm asking these questions. I know it's not eveyone else's problem. I just don't know what to do and I am SO mad atmyself for getting to this point. it's 100% my own fault.

The other thing is if this isn't really emergency related, like I'm just being a baby I'm sure i'll get less than favorable treatment from an angry er. I'd be mad if someone came in that was over reacting like that.

Why do you feel like you need to go to the ER? Is it because of the withdrawl? Think abou what you are doing, if you go to the ER, you will have another bill you have to pay. If you are just suffering badly then take a hot bath, it actualy works quite well for me.

[addicted2]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

Listen I'm sorry I'm asking these questions. I know it's not eveyone else's problem. I just don't know what to do and I am SO mad atmyself for getting to this point. it's 100% my own fault.

The other thing is if this isn't really emergency related, like I'm just being a baby I'm sure i'll get less than favorable treatment from an angry er. I'd be mad if someone came in that was over reacting like that.

You do not need to feel bad about wanting to talk about your problems, that is what this forum if for. We both have a problem, and you know what they say about the first step to recovery...
(just in case you dont know, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem)

[FastNOC]

There are two reaasons i'm considering the er.
1 is that my glucose is now over 430 again and that scares me. 2 is that i'm having a hard time breathing when this gets bad and i keep feeling my heart is stopping for a few seconds, then thump it starts again.

[addicted2]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

There are two reaasons i'm considering the er.
1 is that my glucose is now over 430 again and that scares me. 2 is that i'm having a hard time breathing when this gets bad and i keep feeling my heart is stopping for a few seconds, then thump it starts again.

If you really feel you need medical help then the ER would be the place to go, but do yourself a favor and dont do it because you need tramadol, or any other drug. Do it because yo need medical help.

[FastNOC]

well this is just awful. I spoke to the hospital. they said they don't do any detox, and had me call another detox. they said tramadol isn't a narcotic and they would not provide detox. I was referred to another place called community bridges that said I can come in (i dont have a way to get there) and they'll keep me for 23 hours evaluating me then see IF i can get in detox. So they'd make me stay there as badly as I feel now with no help.

this really sucks

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

There are two reaasons i'm considering the er.
1 is that my glucose is now over 430 again and that scares me. 2 is that i'm having a hard time breathing when this gets bad and i keep feeling my heart is stopping for a few seconds, then thump it starts again.

Hi FastNoc
I have just been reading your posts and I'm so sorry your having a hard time right now.I know your scared right now,but I think we need to focus on just one thing at a time right now and that is getting you off your pills,then you can just start over with a new life.You will be surprised how easy life will be without the addiction.If you need to go to the er, go I'm sure there is some kind of financial aid that can help you,just ask at the hospital.
Let us know how you are doing....
I will be praying for you,Talk to you soon ,Melinda

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

well this is just awful. I spoke to the hospital. they said they don't do any detox, and had me call another detox. they said tramadol isn't a narcotic and they would not provide detox. I was referred to another place called community bridges that said I can come in (i dont have a way to get there) and they'll keep me for 23 hours evaluating me then see IF i can get in detox. So they'd make me stay there as badly as I feel now with no help.

this really sucks

We all go to the extreme when we need to find drugs, we will do whatever it takes. I know that I have. You have been offered an option at the second detox. They will evaluate you there ... that includes checking vitals and will include your blood sugar if you tell them about it. Find a way there. Your future is at stake. Don't blow off this opportunity to get better. Remember they have procedures they have to follow like the evaluation thing. Stay positive rather than assuming they will blow you off. God bless.

[FastNOC]

well i am about half way through. i'm goign to the Er to get medically cleared to do this outpatient detox. And the state has supplemented the costs to help me get there and back.

I bought myself one last 10 days at my home to raise the 2500 i need or evicted. So i have some time.

Thanks for the help

[Phoebe_Twayblade]

Great news, FastNOC. I am praying for you.

Your life is going to turnaround. God speed.

[FastNOC]

Well i'm back. i was at the er from about 12 to 6 i think.

they flound a lot of blood in my urine, thinking it's because of the diabetes. but they gave me medicine for it.

they also gave me lorazepam for the enxiety and it's working wonderfully. there's no question this signs the end of the tramadol for me. He also gave me something else that isn't addictive like lorazepam but I can't spell it or reaad his writing. i didn't get it filled yet. He said after the worst is over take the other stuff.

it's now WeLL past 1 day. closer to two and i have virtually no withdrawals. but what's better is the lorazapam has curbed those ferocious bouts of overbearing depression. i've been asleep almost the whole day, and now that i'm home i'm going back to bed. The only drawback, and reason i would NEVEr get hoooked on these is they make me feel so drowsy and dizzy. I had to walk home from the hospital which was awful 2.5 miles. not being able to stand well, wobbling all over, dragging my suitcase because i had thought i was going to in patient. they let me go home, and told me that there was not much sense going to detox because there is no clinical detox from tramadol. If this ever happens to me again I'm lying and saying i was taking vicodin . But it won't be again, believe me.

I was afraid i was going to be evicted today but i stumbled into the office and i guess i looked distraught. i hadn't gone to the er yet. They alredy have the writ of restitution which means they could call the constable and have him remove me and change the locks. but she sympathysed and gave me another 10 days to come up with 2300 whch i should be able to do.

i feel so out of it, and dizzy but the pressure being lifted from them givingme the meds, and the home situation being reprieved for a week really helped.

One other thing I found out. Arizona has what's call 'access' whch is insurance for people with no money. it coverd er visits, doctor visits, medication, even dental (i think) and it's funded by the state. So that's great.

Can't see straight or move right this moment but I'm so relieved I keep crying.

what a hard few days.

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

Well i'm back. i was at the er from about 12 to 6 i think.

they flound a lot of blood in my urine, thinking it's because of the diabetes. but they gave me medicine for it.

they also gave me lorazepam for the enxiety and it's working wonderfully. there's no question this signs the end of the tramadol for me. He also gave me something else that isn't addictive like lorazepam but I can't spell it or reaad his writing. i didn't get it filled yet. He said after the worst is over take the other stuff.

it's now WeLL past 1 day. closer to two and i have virtually no withdrawals. but what's better is the lorazapam has curbed those ferocious bouts of overbearing depression. i've been asleep almost the whole day, and now that i'm home i'm going back to bed. The only drawback, and reason i would NEVEr get hoooked on these is they make me feel so drowsy and dizzy. I had to walk home from the hospital which was awful 2.5 miles. not being able to stand well, wobbling all over, dragging my suitcase because i had thought i was going to in patient. they let me go home, and told me that there was not much sense going to detox because there is no clinical detox from tramadol. If this ever happens to me again I'm lying and saying i was taking vicodin . But it won't be again, believe me.

I was afraid i was going to be evicted today but i stumbled into the office and i guess i looked distraught. i hadn't gone to the er yet. They alredy have the writ of restitution which means they could call the constable and have him remove me and change the locks. but she sympathysed and gave me another 10 days to come up with 2300 whch i should be able to do.

i feel so out of it, and dizzy but the pressure being lifted from them givingme the meds, and the home situation being reprieved for a week really helped.

One other thing I found out. Arizona has what's call 'access' whch is insurance for people with no money. it coverd er visits, doctor visits, medication, even dental (i think) and it's funded by the state. So that's great.

Can't see straight or move right this moment but I'm so relieved I keep crying.

what a hard few days.

Hi fastNoc
I'm really sorry your having such a hard time right now,Those tramadol really suck...I have never taken them but reading on here people have a hard time getting off them,If there is anything we can do to help let us know.
Talk to you soon and have a good night,Melinda

[addicted2]

so how are you doing now fastnoc?

[FastNOC]

Hi there, thanks for the follow up.

I'm much better now. Still nowhere near good but I'm on my way.

The day after I posted, i think i realized that what came across as elation about the lorazepam was really just incredible relief from the pain of the intense anxiety and the frustration that nobody in the medical field wanted to offer ANY help, claiming they wouldn't detox me because I wasn't on a narcotic.

The day after getting the new drug the anxiety returned. Al be it much less intensely. So I was able to manage it. it's been 4 days now. I stopped taking the lorazepam yesterday because I was concerned that I might be transfering the dependency rather than fighting the withdrawals. I've gotten over the physical dependency (at least the craving and debilitating anxiety) and am left with severe depression. I'm pretty sure the reason is the tramadol was being relied on to produce enough of a euphoric effect that it made me capable of not giving in to depression. now that it's gone it feels like my brain just doesn't know how to deal with it.

I won't be starting on tramadol again. So I'm through that part. I need to find a way to get over this depression. I'm going to be evicted on Friday (yes the day after Thanksgiving lol) if I don't come up with the cash, but i think i can do it.

Dark days. The initial onset was a thousand times worse than I ever imagined. But I just keep telling myself it's one step at a time, and that I can deal with my issues today and if I don't know how to resolve tomorrow, don't worry about it until it comes.

It's a battle.

[cealie]

It's with a combination of relief and dread that I found this forum about how horribly addicting tramadol is. I had begun to have my suspicions when I'd feel like I was losing my mind every time I stopped the stuff, even if I had been taking only 100 mg twice a day for 3 days. It's a horror!! The aches and pains, the anxiety, the depression. This stuff is poison!!

I'm grateful for all the recipes for withdrawals because even though I haven't had any in a few days I still feel the effects. I'm in a really bad mood all the time and the sweats, and anxiety are a pain in the a$$. Literally. I found it interesting that someone said the tramadol did nothing for a sore throat, I had the same experience. Anything else they are a miracle but for a sore throat forget it. Also thanks for the post about the funny dream featuring south park and the election, sounds like a blast.

They really need to warn people about this drug. Thank you all for posting.

[FastNOC]

I agree about the frustration. i remember when I first started taking it. I was in my doctor's office, and I even mentioned that I was afraid if I took them long term I'd get addicted and I didn't want to. He literally laughed, grabbed his prescription book and wrote out a prescription for 240 pills with 3 refills. 8 per day for 4 months.

It bothers me more that the doctors are so brash about laughing off the addiction possibility. Since this time I'm pretty well sold that ANY mood altering drug is addicting because after extended use your body requires the drug to maintain that state.

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

I agree about the frustration. i remember when I first started taking it. I was in my doctor's office, and I even mentioned that I was afraid if I took them long term I'd get addicted and I didn't want to. He literally laughed, grabbed his prescription book and wrote out a prescription for 240 pills with 3 refills. 8 per day for 4 months.

It bothers me more that the doctors are so brash about laughing off the addiction possibility. Since this time I'm pretty well sold that ANY mood altering drug is addicting because after extended use your body requires the drug to maintain that state.

You sure sound a lot better than last week. I'm happy for you. You will do well once all the drugs are out of your system. And also happy that you blew off the lorazepam. Benzos are such bad news unless used for only a matter of days like you used them. You were rather frightening a week ago. Glad to see you so much calmer today. God bless.

[FastNOC]

I was frightened beyond belief. At least now I have my faculties back and can think rationally. I always thought I was pretty strong and could face a lot of pressure. Well that was the most I've ever dealt with, all at one time, and there but for the grace of God I managed to get through it.

I knew I wouldn't take the lorazepam very long. I just needed to curb the awful anxiety. but man that stuff is powerful. I do NOT like that buzz at all. Actually i don't like any buzzes from drugs. Luckily I might add.

Anyway, yeah I read back through the thread just now and I was a mess. I still don't know how I got through it. but I sure am greatful i did.

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by FastNOC

I was frightened beyond belief. At least now I have my faculties back and can think rationally. I always thought I was pretty strong and could face a lot of pressure. Well that was the most I've ever dealt with, all at one time, and there but for the grace of God I managed to get through it.

I knew I wouldn't take the lorazepam very long. I just needed to curb the awful anxiety. but man that stuff is powerful. I do NOT like that buzz at all. Actually i don't like any buzzes from drugs. Luckily I might add.

Anyway, yeah I read back through the thread just now and I was a mess. I still don't know how I got through it. but I sure am greatful i did.

You said it all when you said, ".... and there but for the grace of God I managed to get through it." That is how you made it through the darkness. If people would just realize that He is always there wanting to help us life would be so much more simple. Glad you're back. God bless.

[John Weelsen]

Originally Posted by donnaf484

thank for the advice Dave. Yesterday I found a doctor who prescribed me with subutex. I am to start taking it tomorrow. I am a bit scared because withdrawal from tramadol is horrendous. He didnt even want me to wean myself off of tramdal. I am to just substitute the tramol with the subutex. He told me he does not get patients who are addicted to trmadol but it does happen and it is adddictive. I am going to try this. Anything is better than living like this.
thanks

Donna Forman

Yes. You have two right ways: Taking subutex instead of Tramadol and taking less Tramadol during 3-5 months

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by John Weelsen

Yes. You have two right ways: Taking subutex instead of Tramadol and taking less Tramadol during 3-5 months

The post you are replying to is over two years old. That person hasn't posted in a very long time, seriously doubt she will read your reply. God bless.

[taperslowly]

Hello everyone out there going through Tramadol problems. It's a genuine relief to find information and sincere honest discussion, and is much appreciated by me.

My own story is probably nothing compared to some of the folk here, but nonetheless I'd still like to run it past you all, and hopefully get some advice on where to go next.

This year I became quite addicted to drinking poppy tea - it was the only thing that would touch my back pain at the time, the poppy pods were available to buy quite easily and legally (at least here), and I didn't hold back in drinking the tea several times a day. Obviously, this led to physical addiction and horrible withdrawals when I tried to stop.

But I did stop (I last drank poppy tea on Oct 28th - today is Dec 4th). I tapered off the poppy tea over the space of a week, and to avoid the worst of the withdrawals, I turned to taking (on alternate days): tramadol and kratom (a dried leaf with mild painkilling properties).

The withdrawals were still there to some degree (appalling aches in the morning etc etc) but have definitely faded over the last 5 weeks or so. I feel quite good now, quite 'normal', I can exercise regularly, the back has gradually recovered, etc.

But still I continue to take tramadol 100mgs (every OTHER morning) and a glass of kratom (on the OTHER days).

The next step, clearly, is to quit the tramadol and the kratom entirely, as I 'believe' that I now have the poppy tea out of my system.

But I'm so scared that doing this might bring on depression again (which is just the worst thing in the world) and possibly opiate-type withdrawals all over again.

With the amount I'm taking (100mgs every other day), am I going to experience further withdrawal like this? Is a taper in order? Am I merely clinging to the idea that I need to 'take something' in order to start the day. That's how it feels anyway...

(By the way, I have no previous record of opiate use other than this year's use of poppy tea - and just lately, tramadol. Also the tramadol and the kratom I take now don't make me noticeably 'high' in any way, unlike the poppy tea, which most definitely did)

Anyone's 2 cents worth will be extremely appreciated!

My fullest support and sympathy to all of you out there trying to get off tramadol.

Many thanks, all the best.

Cheerio

[mallazon]

I was takeing tramadol about 2 yrs ago for pain management and i to became addicted to them i was on the maximum my doctor could prescribe he told me that i could take no more than 8x50mg per day so u are on alot more than i was but i had withdrawal from them as they were not working the doc put me on oxycodon 1x20mg twice a day they were better but i subsiquently got hooked on them to.......I am on a rehab program now and they told me that i should have started to reduce the tramadol by 1 tablet every week so i should have took 8 then after a week took 7 per day and so on they said it would have been a far easier way than going on the oxycodon at the same time they said if i had got it down to as low as possible then they could have switched me to the oxy and then stopped the tramadol but instead they gave me both so i was then hooked on both tablets.....you can fine the withdrawal symptoms on the internet if you are in the uk look at NHS direct site they have the most up to date and realistic information.......its not plesant reducing any medication you are addicted to but it has to be done for your own sake as its missirible being hooked on a drug through no fault of your own........speek to your doctor telling him your concernes and hopefully he can help you with a guided reduction and give you the support you nee........there is lots of support on this site so just as and someone will be only to willing to help you, and read as much as you can so you are informed and then you can make better decissions and choices.
Hope this helps take care and good luck..........Mallazon

Originally Posted by donnaf484

Hello,
I have been taking tramadol for 10 months. I started using because I had 3 operations on my arm due to a compound fracture. I am now addicted. I cannot get off of it although I have tried. I am up to 18 pills of 50mg. tablets a day. Nine in the moring and nine at noon. When I tried to stop I have brain zaps and sleeping are out of the question. Even while on it my ears constantly ring very loudly. I am frightened because I know I am in a bad situation. I cannot stand the thought of running out. I would greatly appreciate any advice.Thank you,
Donna

Donna Forman

[Janitals]

i herniated a couple disks in my back, so my doctor put me on vicodin, robaxin, and tramadol. i haven't taken vicodin or robaxin in over a month... never had a problem stopping. tramadol.... now that's the problem. my husband's in the army. he had to go away this week, and i had my pills in the car... he drove away with them. last night i had the most uncomfortable night of my life. i thought my legs were going to get up and walk away from me, whenever i tried to sleep. i've been staying the night with his sister with my kids... i actually went through her medicine cabinet trying to find something... ANYTHING to get me to go to sleep. i found some sudafed, and took a few of them. i didn't fall asleep until about 5am, and of course the kids woke me up at 8... but i really think i'm going to die. i can't stop pooping, i'm sweating like crazy, and i can't sleep for a horse's dump. i just want my pills...
i found out that taking some excedrine migraine and drinking some caffiene works ok. i only have dr. pepper here... but at least it gave me a little hope because my legs quit wanting to bounce through the floor. for a little while, anyway. i can feel it coming back. which is why i'm going to end this for now.

[enginecap]

one horrendous withdraw period. it gets better as the time goes. unfortunately, I have a nurse (my doc's asst.) who at any time will call in a script for me for norco and ultram. no problems with norco other than i'm totally addicted. when I run out, i hit the ultram. not good i know. i need some good kind words/help. thanks.

[ronnysam]

Hi,After 5 years and 2 back surgeries.I have been on Oxy,vicodin and tramadol.Dramadol for 4 years.150 mg.per day. I felt the changes in my body from dramadol.Nasty stuff. As of 1-1-09 I went cold turkey.Now I have ringing in my ears,headaches,memory loss,no consintration and trouble sleeping. The headaches are really escalating.Does anyone have any solutions or similar experiences.The serotonin in tramodol is really a mood elevator.Will my condition improve? I also have been taking Ambien to sleep for a few months. Please Help!!!!!
Thanks, Ron