Tramadol and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 22, 2019

For Depression "I just wanted to do a follow-up from a previous post about Tramadol for pain. So let me just say Tramadol is a depression and anxiety killer. Point blank. There is not another drug like it. The chemical makeup is so unique because, yes, it does help with pain. But it will absolutely give you a new lease on life if you are depressed. But please, please use with caution, never ever take more than prescribed. Because let me tell you, if you ever have to quit the Tramadol. The withdrawals are a living hell. And that is putting it mildly. There are two classes of people I would recommend Tramadol to. One with severe depression that other SSRIs did not work for. And those who plan on staying on Tramadol for life and not coming off. If you ever have to go without for a couple of days, you will see what I mean. Great drug, a lifesaver in some cases. But proceed with caution. Please."

• She...
• May 7, 2018

For Depression "I was reading some of these past comments, and I have to say some of you, I am very disappointed. Every single drug you take on this planet has side effects and it has withdrawal symptoms. I don't care what medicine you take! Every drug you take long enough has a dependency issue. I mean come on, even coffee - people have withdrawals to that. I have taken tramadol for back pain and ovarian cyst, and then my psychiatrist told me he wanted me to continue on this medicine because it's been proven effective in treating depression. I have been on every antidepressant they have ever made, and horrible health and side effects, and I was not having a good quality of life. The good outweighs the bad. And my life is finally getting better. Now, shame on you adults that are bashing people for taking tramadol for depression. My life is good."

• JMi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I am 31 years old, and I have had chronic back and neck pain since I was 14. I have been prescribed different medications over the years. Tramadol seems to help me the most for what I need. There are other medications that are more powerful but have worse side effects, and I need to be sharp-minded enough to do my job. Tramadol takes away about 70% of my pain and allows me to function. I also feel happier when I’m on it, probably just because I’m not in agonizing pain. I wrote this review because so many people say tramadol doesn’t work, but it actually helps some of us function a normal life. Withdrawal symptoms are manageable."

• Sal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2020

For Back Pain "Please be careful while taking Tramadol as I became addicted to them! Wish I never took it. I was given Tramadol by my doctor after I was in a serious car accident which led to severe back pain. Yes, it did work and yes, I felt great on it, but I started to get dependent on it. As my back started to heal and I started to take less of them, I hated the way I felt - tired, dizzy, no energy, so I continued to increase the dose so I could feel normal. I was on them for 3 years and started to develop depression. I decided to come off them so I went “cold turkey” - not the right decision, but I was too embarrassed to tell the doctor I was addicted to them. It took me 16 days to come off them with the most horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I am over it now and feel so much better that I can get on with my life without the craving of Tramadol. I just want to share this to let people know, if you are on Tramadol, please be careful."

• SAM...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 16, 2025

For Depression "I have been on pages and pages of medication for 30 plus years (plus ketamine/TMS/Biofeedback/Therapy, etc.). The trial periods of a new drug, waiting and hoping to see if it works for months, the letdown that it never worked, the severe withdrawals, the severe side effects, then repeat for 30 years, so sad. Then I was prescribed Tramadol for pain. One hour later it was like I was alive. I have had several doctors tell me that this medication is the only medication that helps many of their patients, but they are afraid to prescribe it. As little as 25mg per day is life-changing for me. I take 50mg 1-2 times a day now. Luckily, I have severe back issues, so I pray that I will be able to have access to this medication. It literally has given me a life."

• Anonymous
• June 4, 2009

Tramadol for Pain "I have been using Ultram for about 2 months. I think this medicine works very well for pain, however, the withdrawal side effects for me have been bad. If I stop taking this medicine for two days, I experience cold sweats, hot flashes, can't sleep, my legs get restless at night. I find that I have to take the medicine without having pain just to feel like my normal self again. The restless legs are probably the worst part of the withdrawal symptoms. It does, however, work fairly well for pain if taken regularly."

• Arj...
• February 1, 2017

For Depression "These postings are amazing for me. I was diagnosed with depression at 17 (59 now) and over the years have taken everything from Prozac to Paxil to Wellbutrin, and many others. Four years ago I was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis, and just a few months ago I was prescribed Tramadol for pain. While it did help somewhat with pain, I suddenly noticed my depression was lifting for the first time in over 30 years. The difference is amazing and life-changing. In addition, I can go several days to a week without it and I feel no withdrawal symptoms. I used to cry all the time, constant thoughts of suicide, and I'd stay in bed for days at a time. Now, I exercise daily, ride my bike frequently (which also helps with the depression)."

• BBa...
• February 18, 2020

For Back Pain "I was prescribed tramadol for back pain due to a motorcycle accident. I was in agonizing pain, and I had tried all sorts of physiotherapy, and nothing was working, so my doctor gave me tramadol. It made a massive difference in my life, I was able to function again. I took 6 x 50 mg a day, so I took 100 mg morning, afternoon, and before bed. Tramadol helped me from going insane and allowed me to function and get on with my life. After 3 years, I decided to stop the tramadol as my back pain had gotten so much better. WARNING: it was the worst 3 weeks of my life. Withdrawal symptoms were horrendous: shakes, cravings, stomach cramps, nausea, body aching all over, constant sneezing, insomnia, and I have been left with restless legs. Some people say withdrawal from this drug is manageable, NOT FOR ME. I would never take tramadol again for this reason."

• Moo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 4, 2018

For Depression "The last SSRI I tried put me into a manic episode. After 30 years, I discovered Tramadol, the only medication to date that helps with my depression. Then, Tramadol was re-classified, and now my psychiatrist wants me to get off the drug. I tried twice in the past to taper back from the 150 mg that I take in divided doses every day. I used the slowest taper schedule I could find online. The withdrawal is bad, I couldn't take the shaking and suicidal thoughts, so continued to take it. I came to peace with taking tramadol, especially after reading about the difference between addiction and dependence. I am dependent on this medication to keep me alive, literally. I don't crave it, and I have no desire to increase my dose, both of which are signs of addiction. I am so grateful to read about other people's positive experiences with Tramadol in treating depression. There wasn't much info out there when I started to look into it several years ago."

• Ros...
• July 8, 2014

For Depression "I have been on Tramadol (50mg 3x per day) for about 6 years now. For the first few years, it was a miracle cure. I have struggled with depression/anxiety/impulse and obsessive disorders my entire life. This made me finally feel free and human for the first time ever. The only downfall was after a few years, the effects wore off, and slowly my depression/anxiety began to creep back in. I took a break from it for a few months (warning: withdrawing from Tramadol is really uncomfortable). I went back on it after my Dr assured me it was a good med (even long term) for fibromyalgia/depression, etc. I'm up to about 4/day now. It still helps, but not nearly as much as in the beginning."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2012

For Anxiety "Really great medicine for my anxiety. Originally, my doctor prescribed this for pain, but I find it's better for anxiety. Be careful, and when you need to stop taking the medicine, you need to taper off very slowly, or else it could be very uncomfortable. Withdrawal syndrome is very uncomfortable, and you need to taper off."

• Jus...
• September 13, 2013

For Back Pain "I think my review could be helpful to some. Recently, I had a severe issue with my back. I was prescribed two things at two different times: Lortab 7.5 and tramadol 50 mg. At first, I took the (opiate) Lortab only to relieve pain. Anyhow, I knew I'd run out of them eventually, and I did. Today, the expected withdrawal began: rebound pain, tense & achy legs, bad stomach, and weakness. Typical opiate withdrawal. I worked all day like that. Tonight I decided to take tramadol, to see if it'd relieve the yucky withdrawal. WOW! After one hour, I feel like a totally new person. An amazing change. It works better than I expected. Like all medicines, you're a fool if you take more than prescribed."

• Roa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2016

Tramadol for Back Pain "I told my physician that I would no longer take Percocet for my chronic back pain. He suggested I try tramadol and assured me it is not a narcotic. I have been taking the tramadol now for a year and although it is no miracle drug, it has managed my pain immensely. I can finally sleep at night and function normally. One downside to the drug for me is if I run out and the withdrawal starts, it is nasty. Be careful you stop the drug abruptly. Good health to all. Rob"

• dep...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 18, 2016

For Depression "Been on these pills for 3 years now. Started out for pain relief but soon discovered my depression fading fast. I take 200mg XR in the morning and 200mg at night. It also helps me wake up a lot easier and happier. I went off them, depression came back, and suffered some withdrawals instantly. Getting out of bed was a nightmare. Back on them, life is great. One major downfall is my sex drive, these pills kill it, but it's worth it because I'm happier on these pills with less sex than lots of sex and not happy. Sacrifice I choose to make."

• Ilj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 28, 2017

For Depression "I am a 65-year-old male and suffer from depression. My psychiatrist prescribed tramadol 50 mg daily. I have been taking it for three years, and it works terrific. I have tried SSRIs in the past but did not have any success. I have heard horror stories about the withdrawal symptoms of tramadol, so I have taken some days off or decreased my dosage to test and experiment with the withdrawal effects, but I am not sure I want to go through the rest of my days bummed out and unproductive. I have heard all the stories about working out, proper diet, self-talk, etc. I am very disciplined in adhering to these principles, but it does not help my depression. Just my two cents. Jerry."

• Kak...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 10, 2017

For Anxiety "After nearly 4 months off of Tramadol (and, yes, the withdrawal was horrible), I've decided to go back on it. I don't take it for pain any longer; I take it for the brighter outlook it gives me as well as the anti-anxiety benefits. Like some other users, I've been on many antidepressants over the years but nothing really seemed to work, so I'm off of all of the so-called FDA-approved meds. Tramadol isn't cheap (because I don't have a prescription and can't imagine getting one from my doctor for the reason I take it) but it IS cheaper than a visit to my psychiatrist. It makes my life smoother, and I'm simply making the decision to go back to it."

• ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 20, 2025

For Depression "Tramadol saved my life. I had depression for 10 years between 8 and 18 years old, tried several antidepressants with no success. One day, shortly after coming out of the ER for a suicide attempt, I took 200 mg of tramadol without knowing anything about its possible use for depression, and the depression just went away for around 2 days. After that, I decided to take 100 mg every 12 hours, and it worked really well, the depression never came back. After 4 years, I decided to stop because I have sleep apnea and tramadol can worsen this condition. I divided the dosage in half every week or two until it was less than 12 mg, and then I stopped. I took 50 mg of pregabalin for the first day or two to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms, then nothing, and I barely felt any discomfort. Please note I'm probably lucky, it doesn't seem to be so easy to stop for most people. I've stopped for two weeks, and I don't feel depressed or anything. I'm still keeping it in case I need it again one day."

• Rez...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 12, 2024

For Depression "I suffered 30 years of painful, debilitating, physically destructive depression. No treatment really helped me. Yes, paroxetine just took away the urge to commit suicide. On the other hand, my doctor prescribed this medication for another ailment, and the miracle worked! No more depression, no more lack of motivation, no more procrastination, no more psychological pain, no more insomnia, no more low self-esteem, no more social anxiety, no more debilitating stress, no more feeling of insecurity. And that's not all: my restless legs are over, my irritable bowel syndrome is over. It's a miracle. You can take it as needed. But on the other hand, if you take it every day, you must not forget a dose, otherwise, you will experience withdrawal syndrome. Personally, I will continue until I die if necessary. I have been taking 200 mg extended release 24 hours (Monocrixo) for almost 3 years, without changing dose, with no perceptible drop in effectiveness."

• Syr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 31, 2014

For Depression "I have been using tramadol with alprazolam for the past 2 years. I take only one 50 mg tablet with one 0.5 mg alprazolam in the morning, and I rarely take more (maybe once a month I take 2). This combination was my savior. Because of it, I am doing very well in my business. I stop taking it sometimes, and I do not have any withdrawal symptoms at all except for the bad mood and fatigue. I am moving to Germany soon, and I am worried that I will not be able to get this medicine there."

• AJA...
• March 23, 2009

For Pain "I didn't know anything about this drug and was on Darvocet when my workman's company suggested I switch to this. It was a little weak at first, but then I got it into my system on a regular basis, and it seemed to dull my pain. Both heels were crushed in a fall, and I had reconstruction surgery. This does make me sleepy and is terrible to get off of. I had every symptom of withdrawal listed. I had to call my doctor back and be put back onto it. BEWARE."

• pok...
• November 17, 2015

For Chronic Pain "I have been on Tramadol for 8 years, and it changed my life. I have chronic pain associated with spurs and deviated disks in my neck and upper back after two serious car accidents. I used to self-medicate with alcohol, but once prescribed this medication, I no longer drank. I am able to work full-time too. It's a true blessing. I went off this medication two times when I got pregnant on my own, cold turkey, with not much of a noticeable difference withdrawal-wise. Okay, hope this helps. I'm so thankful for this medicine."

• Anonymous
• February 23, 2011

Tramadol for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have rheumatoid arthritis and tramadol helps me tremendously with the pain. Be aware though, the withdrawals are horrible. I was out of tramadol for two days and had crawling sensations and aching in my legs."

• Ash...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 4, 2013

For Pain "More powerful than I thought... Dr. prescribed this to treat scoliosis pain in a 'non-narcotic way'. It helped my back pain greatly. I was also in a great mood in the beginning. I thought it was wonderful (despite a constant minor headache)! As the months went on, I no longer had that wonderful feeling and needed the tramadol to function. NEVER went over prescribed dose (50 mg 3 times per day). When I had to take it at 7:30 am so I could get out of bed at 8:00, I knew it was a problem. Seems you can become dependent without really knowing it. BAD withdrawals that lasted over a month (I was on it 11 months)."

• hap...
• July 29, 2020

For Anxiety "I just wanted to give some helpful advice. Tramadol is great for anxiety. The advice I want to give is for anyone that runs out before your refill date. You will have withdrawals during this time period, and they suck! No sugar coating...they suck! I came across a forum about a year ago about Kratom as a helpful tool for withdrawals. I was desperate, so I tried it. OMG! It is literally a miracle when dealing with withdrawal symptoms from tramadol! I can't say this enough! I understand how some people have stopped pain meds altogether with it. It's good for pain, anxiety, and mood lifting. It attaches to a different opioid receptor but is enough to keep you from having withdrawal symptoms...and MUCH better for you than prescription drugs!"

• pri...
• April 23, 2015

For Pain "I have been on tramadol for years, first given to me for pain. It is an incredible pain medicine that gives me so much energy and makes my anxiety and occasional depression non-existent. However, I have tried so many times to get off because I am now completely addicted. When I want to get off, even taper down enough to get off, I get the most horrible lightning zapping going through my brain along with other withdrawals. It is an incredible drug for pain and depression, BUT be careful if you stay on for a long period of time, you will become a prisoner just like any other pain or depression medicine, and the withdrawals are ugly."