I have been on Tramadol 100mg twice a day for a long time.
I started with it for pain into knee and it makes me feel so tierd all the time. I have made my mind up I want to come of it.
I stopped and the side affects were awful. How do I get of it I feel like I am addicted to it after trying and having to take it again after the failed start I had.
Any ideas please?
Tramadol is an opiate type drug, so can cause dependence - which isn't a problem as long as you continue taking the drug. Your GP will know all about it, and not be surprised given that you've been prescribed it for a long time so I think the best thing would be to talk to GP about how best to come off it. It may be best to taper it down slowly, and/or use something else alongside to take over the pain relief. I don't know, but your GP should. Hope it goes well, I imagine it's uncomfortable feeling that you're dependant on it. I know I don't like the feeling that I'm completely dependant on the RA drugs as although they've given me my freedom back I hate the thought that I can't do without them and can no longer go where I want when I want.
Your problem is typical of one of the reasons Tramadol has recently been raised to a Class C drug & you should now find that you will no longer get it as a repeat on your monthly script request. Your GP should by now be following its class guidelines & reviewing you monthly to represcribe it so next time it's due & he calls you in explain how it's affecting you & your dependency fears & ask if he can suggest an alternative med for your pain.
I'm experiencing similar problems with my NSAID at the mo, not related to dependency rather because of fears of cardiovascular issues in long term use. It works well for me when I take it daily but I've been asked to only take when I really need to but need a reliable alternative I can take regularly without any fears so do empathise with how you feel & hope there's an good replacement your GP can suggest for you.
Let us know how you get on when you have your monthly review. It would be interesting to know if he prescribes a good alternative that works equally well. Maybe others will be finding themselves in a similar situation with the new rise in class & have their stories to tell to help you.
Forgot to say well done you for admitting your reliance on tramadol, not many like to admit such things. I feel the same way about the amount of co-codamol I'm taking in place of my NSAID but it should add to the argument to your help your GP deciding when prescribing something else. It may need a combination of pain meds but as long as they work, you're less tired & you're happy on them all the better.
Is the fatigue from the tramadol or the RA? Other than that if it was me I would seek the guidance from my GP, I hope you manage to get sorted soon.
Philip
Hi thank you all for your replys.
I am more determined to come of them now after what I have read.
I went to the hospital last week and no help really when I said I wanted to come of them, but he did admit they could be addictive . My own doctor said they wernt when I asked a few months back.
Going to make an appointment ASAP.
I will be in touch as soon as I get in the doctors.
Thank you again Rose
There were a few issues for it's new classification & yours is one of them in long term use so surprised your GP said they weren't addictive. It's the nature of this strength & type of drug unfortunately along with it's misuse. Just c&p's a search for Price of Tramadol & this sort of thing is all over the web "Tramadol is really very nice, a lovely warm cosy feeling defiantly worth a try but yeah it can make you horribly sick the next day. Those darn opiates|! The key is just not to start out doing to much, you can always do more another time. I think an ideal starting dosage is about 150 -200 mg. perrrrfect."
The one underneath that one says "its an opioid/benzo and you can get hooked and build up a tollerence quite quick. The withdrawal is simmilar to a heroin rattle............."
Don't you just love the fact that those who don't need it for a very real painful condition can be so flippant & casual?!! It's little wonder those who genuinely need to take it now have to have monthly reviews.
I am supprised how that has been so lightly commented on. The hospital doctor did say they are addictive but don't think he was to bothered about them.
Don't know about it being warm and cosy i am washed out all the time and if i forget to take one can't keep my eyes open and my legs go all shaky with the end result in being awake all night, get up take the tablet and its hours before i can sleep again. So angry that this can't be explained to you before you go on them. Thanks again Rose
My h spoke to our youngest niece this morning as she was visiting her grandad. She had JA when younger which calmed down into her teens & early twenties when it returned into full blown RD. She came off all meds when she became pregnant but RD has returned since. She was prescribed tramadol, resisted taking it as she knew of the problems being a pharmacy assistant but eventually did & not long after when her sister asked what she "was on" & questioned her capability of looking after her 2 year old little girl her reply was "it does nothing for the pain but makes me feel great". Her sister thought she was taking something unprescribed if you get my drift. Thankfully she saw sense with big sis's help before it got hold of her. I knew nothing of any of this event at the time but had I she'd have had her auntie to answer to, particularly as she knows how it can be addictive!!! She even put up with the horrible side effects in the beginning & thought when they had subsided & the drug was in her system all was well with the world. I was lost for words when he told me. Frightening.
Hi victoriablue,
sorry that you are having so many problems with your pain medication. As has already been mentioned, you can speak to your GP about the best way to come off the tramadol and they may be able to suggest alternatives. Either medicinal or non-medicinal. Hope you get sorted soon.
Regards
Beverley (NRAS Helpline)
Thank you Beverly hope I am doing the right thing but I feel so worn out and tierd all the time think I am doing the right thing. Rose
Hello
If you are trying to get off Tramadol it is important to see your GP and consider alternative medications to suppress your condition.
Generally a good replacement needs to be there to pick up from where tramadol used to be
BOB
Hello Again
You need to understand that Tramadol on many occasions is the right drug for that patient.
You really need to take advice before you come of this medicine. It is all right someone saying something is bad. What is bad for them may be good for you and pressure to remove it from a patients script because someone has a thing about that medication is very silly.
Again I say that you need to discuss with your GP and possibly hospital, you also need to have an alternative waiting in the wings to replace the tramadol
In the past I was taken o a medication for pain control, the alternative was a stronger medication so it is important to make well informed choices.
Thank you for the advice. I have had. I have made an appointment for Monday to see the doctor. I will let you know how I go on.
Rose
That's good news Rose. Glad everyone's input has helped, you took the first big step in recognising your dependency & posting your question. I hope your GP listens, is supportive & is able to guide you through a safe withdrawal process, it will be a slow one but safe one. He may offer you something else to help this but listen to him & go through any fears you may have & hopefully he'll appreciate your concerns, particularly as you've recognised your dependency through side effects.
We'll be here if you need our help, you know that.
Tramadol is addictive but that really only causes a problem when you decide to stop. Your docs gave you it because you were in pain and it has helped. The side effect of tiredness (which I also get if I take it) has become bothersome to you and you want that to stop. But (as others have said) you dont want the pain that Tramadol is suppressing either. You can successfully withdraw from any drug as long as you do it in a controlled way, stepping down the dose you take a little at a time and with another med in the wings to help with the underlying pain. I am glad you are going to see your GP as you will need their help to do this in a controlled way without it causing a huge flare up in pain. Sometimes the side effects of meds are the lesser of two evils - pain or tiredness - Hobson's choice 
I can't explain how washed out and tierd I feel by dinner time all I want to do is sit down and close my eyes.
I feel as there is more to life than this But if I can sort something and make it a bit better then I will feel happier.
Apart from the pain I also have COPD that also makes you washed out. Hate complaing I know I am not on my own 
thank you. Rose
I can't explain how washed out and tierd I feel by dinner time all I want to do is sit down and close my eyes.
I feel as there is more to life than this But if I can sort something and make it a bit better then I will feel happier.
Apart from the pain I also have COPD that also makes you washed out. Hate complaing I know I am not on my own thank you. Rose
I can't explain how washed out and tierd I feel by dinner time all I want to do is sit down and close my eyes.
I feel as there is more to life than this But if I can sort something and make it a bit better then I will feel happier.
Apart from the pain I also have COPD that also makes you washed out. Hate complaing I know I am not on my own thank you. Rose
I was prescribed temazapan as I was so hyper and couldn't sleep a wink on Prednisilone, and I know I am now dependent on it, even though it has lost much of its effectiveness. Codeine too. I have decided to stay on both until I have weaned myself right off Prednisilone ( that should be by the end of the year) as that process will be hard enough in itself. I do have an addictive make-up ( and I don't mean mascara!); it's in the genes. But I really don't need to add guilt to the beat-me-up arsenal. I would certainly be guided by your GP, or Rheumatology nurse about tapering, alternating or whatever. Good luck and do keep us posted.
Sounds like a lot of people get this medication take it long term not knowing how addictive it is. I was trying to remember how long I have been on Tramadol and it's got to be 10 years plus.
Will keep everyone informed good luck with your medication.
my doctor has just given me tramadol 50 mg on repeat prescription never said it was a opiate he knows I hate drugs too
Good morning Junebee I am going the docs Monday on 100mg twice a day.
I can't say don't take it but I was never told found out myself when I tried come of it.
Wish I had known I never would have taken it.
Think long and hard. Rose
Without a review? If so he's ignoring the new guidelines & it is an opiate junebee & you should have been informed it was. Maybe as he knows you'd have refused them (?) if be told you he swerved round it?
Sorry if this appears abrupt but if there's one thing really ticks me off it's medical professionals not keeping us in the link & thinking we wouldn't understand. There, there, it will all be fine grrrr. If they don't attempt to tell us how can we ever understand? I know some prefer to play at being God but they're not, I have too many as friends & acquaintances to know different & they're human like us!!! In fact at play they certainly don't practice as they preach if you get my drift. The tales I could tell lol!! 
See what answers I get Monday going see a different doctor. Mine told me Tramadol is not addictive so we will see.
I am ready with my questions and knowledge well knowledge I have picked up from all the help on this site
thank you nomoreheels and victoriablue I am so glad you can put a point of view across on here there is so much to learn hope nomoreheels likes my name change
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