Withdrawal refers to the body’s adjustment process after a person stops taking a substance they are dependent on. After taking tramadol for a certain period of time, the body develops tolerance so that a higher dose is needed for the body to feel the same euphoric/ relaxing effects. As the body develops tolerance, it becomes dependent on the substance in order to function normally - known as dependence.
Dependence often leads to addiction, both of which are characterized by the person experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit using. The result of this is that it is almost impossible to quit tramadol cold turkey. Withdrawal from tramadol is unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous, compelling the user to take tramadol once again to relieve themselves of the side effects. If you or your loved one is addicted to tramadol, don’t give up yet. Read on to discover what you can expect when quitting tramadol and how to taper off tramadol safely and achieve sobriety for life.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an opioid drug prescribed as a painkiller, most often post-surgery. As an opioid analgesic, tramadol affects chemicals in the brain so that the body feels and responds differently to pain. Although it has a low potential for abuse and it is prescribed liberally, there are, unfortunately, many people who are addicted to Tramadol. As with any relatively safe prescription drug, people who use Tramadol without a prescription, people who increase the dose or frequency of use, and people who have a history of drug addiction, are all at greater risk of developing tramadol addiction. But even people who use Tramadol safely can experience dependence and even addiction.
What is Tramadol Withdrawal Like?
Depending on various factors, the withdrawal symptoms from tramadol are different for every person. Some people experience just a few of these symptoms, while others experience all of them. The intensity and duration of the symptoms also range from person to person.
Additionally, the chemical changes that tramadol causes in the brain and body affect the way the user experiences withdrawal symptoms. Tramadol interacts with and alters brain receptors and stimulates increased activity in the nervous system, specifically the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. For this reason, some people experience what is termed a ‘traditional opioid withdrawal syndrome’ while others, more rarely, experience ‘atypical opioid withdrawal syndrome.’
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
Common withdrawal effects of traditional opioid withdrawal syndrome include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cravings
- Anxiety or agitation
- Goosebumps or chills
- Insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sweating
Some of the acute withdrawal symptoms from tramadol include:
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Depersonalization
- Paranoia
How Long Does Tramadol Withdrawal Last?
Tramadol withdrawal can last for up to ten days. Withdrawal symptoms begin as soon as the effects of tramadol wear off, as the body no longer has the drug in the system and therefore has to adjust. This means that withdrawal usually begins just hours after the last dose of tramadol. Altogether, withdrawal is estimated to last around 5-7 days, although as stated previously, it can last up to 10 days.
Tramadol Withdrawal Timeline
Here is a rough outline for the timeline of tramadol withdrawal:
- Days 1-3: The first side effects felt during the first three days include anxiety, headaches, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, insomnia, some muscle aches, and, of course, cravings for tramadol.
- Days 4-7: On these days, typical symptoms include stomach pains, confusion, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and persistent cravings for tramadol.
- Days 8-14: At this point, most people will no longer experience any withdrawal symptoms. Some people still feel mild depression or anxiety after two weeks.
- 14 days and beyond: Some people experience ‘post-acute withdrawal symptoms’ (PAWS), where the symptoms persist for weeks or months after typical withdrawal. These symptoms are often anxiety, depression, agitation, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia and can be treated with medication or therapy.
Factors that Affect the Timeline of Tramadol Withdrawal
Many factors affect how long the withdrawal symptoms last for different people.
- Duration and frequency of use- The longer you have been using tramadol and the more frequently you use it, the longer it takes for the body to learn to function without it.
- Dosage- The higher your dose, the longer it takes for the body to adjust to its absence. Hence, the withdrawal symptoms last longer.
- Genetics and metabolism- How quickly the body can process the drug and remove it from the body affects how long the withdrawal symptoms persist.
- Age- Younger people usually have a faster metabolism.
- History of drug misuse- If you have a history of abusing drugs, your body may have a harder time getting rid of tramadol, prolonging the withdrawal symptoms.
- Other substances- Mixing tramadol with other drugs or alcohol causes the combined substance to last longer in the body, which results in a longer withdrawal period.
- Mental health- People who have concurring mental health issues like bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression may find that their symptoms last longer than those of other people.
Tramadol Detox
Withdrawal from any opioid is tough. Although withdrawal symptoms usually aren’t dangerous, they can be so difficult to manage that even addicts who are determined to achieve sobriety may give in and take tramadol to relieve themselves of the effects. If you’re on the fence about getting clean from tramadol but are afraid of the withdrawal effects, you may wonder what helps with withdrawal from tramadol.
Tramadol Withdrawal: The Most Effective Way
The most effective and safe way to taper off tramadol is through a medical detox. At a drug rehab center, hospital, or other medical institution, professionals can guide you through the detox process by slowly lowering the dosage while monitoring your vitals and providing relief for various symptoms. Although there is no way to remove all withdrawal symptoms during tramadol detox, there are things that can help - like drinking a lot of fluids, resting, speaking to a therapist or counselor about emotional issues, and taking medications like painkillers or Suboxone.
Tramadol Addiction Recovery
At Avenues Recovery, we know what it’s like to struggle with tramadol addiction. Our professional staff of therapists and mental health counselors have successfully treated thousands of people dealing with addiction to tramadol and other substances. We map out a personalized treatment plan for every patient, with one-on-one and group therapies, holistic therapies, support groups, and more to help them find their way to a drug-free, serene life. Our highly experienced and caring staff have helped thousands of people overcome their addiction, and they can help you too! Reach out to start your journey towards a happier, healthier and addiction-free future.