Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms (12 Signs You Must Recognize)
Tramadol, a highly potent opioid pain medication, poses a significant risk of addiction. Its regular usage can result in dependence, leading to the emergence of withdrawal symptoms upon reduction or cessation of use.
By delving into comprehensive research, I have acquired valuable knowledge regarding tramadol withdrawal symptoms. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the severity and duration of these symptoms, compiling my findings for your benefit.
Quick Summary
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reclassified tramadol as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance.
The onset of tramadol withdrawal side effects is often similar to the symptoms experienced during other opioid withdrawal syndromes.
Depending on the intensity of your pain and any pre-existing substance use disorders, the experience of tramadol withdrawal may differ.
What Is Tramadol Withdrawal?
Tramadol withdrawal is what happens when someone who has been relying on opioid drugs to function stops taking it and experiences uncomfortable symptoms.
Even if you’ve been using tramadol as prescribed by a doctor, tramadol addiction can still occur—which means that withdrawal will be an unpleasant experience for you [1].
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reclassified tramadol as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance in 1994 due to an alarming surge of people misusing it. However, its abuse potential is lower compared to other opioids.
Rather than quitting tramadol abruptly, reducing the dosage gradually is usually more effective. Many report withdrawal symptoms similar to the flu, yet there is potential for much more severe reactions, including anxiety episodes, panic attacks, and hallucinations. It’s essential to be aware of these risks before detoxifying tramadol.
“Tramadol is a type of narcotic (i.e., opioid) pain reliever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the management of moderate to moderately severe acute or chronic pain in adults.”
– Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
How Is Tramadol Withdrawal Different From Other Opioids?
Tramadol withdrawal is different from other opioids because of its components. Tramadol withdrawal offers relief from pain distinct from other opioids, like hydrocodone.
This medication works by activating the opioid receptors in your brain and blocking serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, resulting in a practical yet long-lasting pain management approach compared to common opioid treatments [2].
The power of this twofold combination is evident and can cause opioid dependence. As a result, tramadol withdrawal presents itself in two forms: traditional opioid discontinuation symptoms and atypical opioid withdrawal syndrome.
It’s uncommon to see this combination of traditional opioid withdrawal symptoms with other substances. Thus those going through the process may expect to experience both sets of signs.
Unusual sensory experiences, including numbness and prickling in the extremities
Even though the symptoms of an atypical detox are not usually fatal, they can lead to dangerous and poor decisions. To ensure your safety, you must check out tramadol addiction treatment in a medically-supervised inpatient detox center.
What Are Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Tramadol withdrawal symptoms are usually similar to the flu, with typical characteristics found in individuals quitting other opioids and certain antidepressants.
12 Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal may include:
Restlessness
Drug craving
Anxiety
Sweating
Insomnia
Rigors
Pain
Nausea
Tremors
Diarrhea
Upper respiratory symptoms
Goosebumps
3 Most symptoms of tramadol withdrawal are marked by the following:
Flu-like symptoms
Restlessness
Drug craving
Although many of the following symptoms are encountered in 90% of tramadol withdrawals, rarer ones can be experienced by up to 10%:
The tramadol withdrawal timeline is the time for tramadol to leave your system. After abstaining from or significantly reducing their tramadol use, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms reaching the height of intensity within 36 to 72 hours. Symptoms tend to last approximately 5-8 days [3].
Factors That Impact Tramadol Withdrawal
Several factors can impact your withdrawal experience, such as the length of time you have been using drugs, how much you consume, and the frequency with which you use them [4].
6 Other components that could impact your withdrawal include:
Your health
Your age
Genetics
Your mental health
Your other drug use
Your history of substance abuse
Depending on the pain level and any prior substance use disorders, your tramadol withdrawal experience may vary. If you suffer from an opioid use disorder (addiction) or use other opioid drugs, that would likely complicate matters further.
Coping With Withdrawal from Tramadol
If you’ve been experiencing discomfort after reducing or stopping your tramadol dosage, there are measures to take to treat and prevent those symptoms.
However, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a medical professional before doing so.
Gradual Tapering
Gradually tapering your tramadol dosage over two to three weeks is the most effective and dependable way to avoid withdrawal before it begins. By reducing dosage gradually, you can successfully manage discontinuation symptoms and easily transition off this medication.
Medications
Numerous case studies have determined that benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam or lorazepam, can effectively diminish tramadol withdrawal symptoms.
This is particularly true when anxiety, agitation, or restlessness occur. Some doctors prescribe buprenorphine-naloxone to treat tramadol withdrawal symptoms to patients seeking relief.
Detox
Consuming detox drinks alongside a medical detox can help ease withdrawal symptoms. Detox drinks are an effective and natural way of helping the body eliminate toxins.
However, remember that if you or a loved one are facing issues with substance abuse and addiction, please get in touch with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National helpline for the help and support you need.
With 24/7 availability from trained professionals, this helpline provides hope and resources when needed most.
How Long Does It Take To Get Over The Side Effects Of Tramadol?
The amount of time it takes to get over the side effects of tramadol is a week or two. If your fatigue persists for an extended period, consult with a physician. Additionally, abstain from drinking alcohol as it will only make your exhaustion worse.
Can You Quit Tramadol Cold Turkey?
No, you can not quit tramadol cold turkey. Gradually decreasing the doses over time is the best approach to discontinuing the use of the pill altogether.
What Is Tramadol Detox?
Tramadol detox is when your system flushes out the substance. The intensity of a tramadol detox experience can range from minor to extreme depending on the use severity and any prescribed medications or drugs.
What Can I Take Instead Of Tramadol?
You can take everyday painkillers that contain codeine instead of tramadol. Over-the-counter painkillers with codeine include co-codamol, Nurofen Plus, and Solpadeine—all readily available at your local pharmacy.
Ease Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
Professional supervision during a slowly tapered withdrawal and other forms of relief, such as nutritional support and medical treatment for more severe withdrawal symptoms, are just some ways professional detoxing from tramadol can help.
Consider consuming a detox drink if you’re looking to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms and take a step toward your body’s detox process. Clear Choice Rescue Cleanse review is a great option and works by stimulating processes in the body that filter out toxins.
Its natural ingredients function as antioxidants that help remove free radicals from circulation; these are later eliminated from the system via the liver for good.
Lisa is a content writer, blogger, and entrepreneur. When she is not managing her business, Colonial Stores, Lisa spends most of her time researching about synthetic urine products to review. She loves sharing her learnings in a form of blogging that’s why she built a website to connect with many people. You can read more about me here.
