How do you withdraw from tramadol extended release tablets? I am told you cant cut them in half. I?

First of all, I'd like to know why you want to stop taking it. I take Tramadol, the old kind that is not ER. That works better for me. I take 2 -50 mg. tablets every six hours. My husband, who also has Fibro did not experience relief from his pain on the ER -- only on the plain Tramadol.

Ask for a lower dose anyone who says to cut them up have no clue what they are talking about. My pain dr told me to cut my pill in half I question him and said your the Dr but I'm going to ask my pharmacy . Thier answer was no way and I told my dr I wasn't going to do what he said to do. I now have a new Rx for 100 mg.

Why don't you ask for 100mg slow release Tramadol? I keep both 200mg S.R. and 100mg.S.R. I usually manage with 100mg morning and evening but in flare ups I take extra and then cut it back when symptoms subside. I have not noticed any adverse effects, but have not tried to come completely off Tramadol, except to switch to another painkiller.
Other than this, asking for the 50mg instant relief Tramadol is probably the best way forward.

You can really cut them in 2 or 4 pieces, And take it slow when lowering the dose. Symptoms Can get very interesting at times. And might be good to take half or 1 fourth a dose. But really it's what ever works best for you, You might have to try a couple of things to get what works! 00P

Switching to I.R would be your best bet & then keep cutting down as much as you can tolerate. If you did cut the extended release tab in half you really wouldn't have to worry about dose dumping unless you smashed,or chewed the tabs up,but in whole form most extended release will work the same as the whole tab,yes it is better to get the I.R's,but I've been on M.S Contin for 5+ years & i've cut them in half & it's a solid pill with a wax base that is going to disolve at the same rate whether it's whole or half,but, that's M.S Contin Tramadol may be different. I never thought Tramadol caused withdrawl seeing how it's not an opiate but I hear more & more people complaining that coming off the stuff is almost like withdrawing from opiates. Strange huh?

Very smart answers. I have to agree.

Never, ever cut an extened release tablet, you might end up getting too much medication at one time causing you to overdose. I would take the advice and bring this to attention of your doctor and ask for the immediate release so you can taper down slowly. I wish you luck.

Tell your doctor what you want to do so that he/she can order you the quick release so that you can ween down... Good luck...