Coming off tramadol: Hi all I have just come... - Pain Concern

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Coming off tramadol

Sheryl4659 profile image
5 Replies

Hi all I have just come back from an introduction to pain management session, the program is 1 day a week for 6hrs over 8 weeks, this is OK but from what they said they will cover is leaving me a bit sceptical as to how it will help, they said there would be no hands on but mainly talking therapy exchanging with others what has worked for them, I wanted to get my pain meds sorted but this wouldn't be included in the course.

I stayed behind to speak to the specialist pain nurse and explained that when I had my MDT appointment I told the Dr that my pain meds don't seem to have any effect, I currently take 200mg tramadol slow release twice daily, 100mg gabapentin at night (any more than this makes me feel like a zombie), I also take antidepressant venlafaxine 75mg am and 150mg pm and blood pressure tablets, I have been taking the tramadol for over 20 years now and I just feel that I'm taking it for no reason and so it's pointless.

I've asked what could I do to improve my pain meds and she said that there isn't a pain med that works on chronic pain and if the tramadol isn't working then just stop taking it, but did point out I would need to reduce it over a few weeks starting with going on to normal release then I will be able to reduce the strength. This to me is a very scary prospect as I know what it is like if I forget to take just 1 tablet, I get the shakes my body is shaky and irritable, I can't lie down and I feel really horrible.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how to come off them and suggest an alternative, my main problem is my lower spine with a bulging disc pressing on a nerve so get sciatic pain down my left leg.

Thanks in advance for your help regards Sheryl

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Sheryl4659
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earthwitch profile image
earthwitch

The only way you can come off something like tramadol is very slowly. Have a talk with your GP about whether you can get lower dose pills, so you can reduce gradually. Even so, it will probably still make you feel a bit bad each time you drop a dose. The ideal is to stay on each level of dose for long enough that you have time to get used to it before you drop to the next level down.

Mahoney0719 profile image
Mahoney0719

I have been on the 4 weeks input at st toms Tuesday - Friday home weekends then back again. and I have the same as you 3 bulging disc pressing on my nerves and I get sciatic pain on my right side and my leg goes numb. I hope you get some help on the course the talking therapy is ok for some but for me I really needed help to manage my pain but it don't really do that. but I would talk to your doctor first and then start taking its down slowly very slowly I too was told no meds work for chronic pain and that it self is hard to take in.

Take care of yourself

Linda xx

Sarahk1000 profile image
Sarahk1000

Hiya Sheryl

I'm sorry to hear of your pain. I had nerve ablasion on my bulging discs. Temporary relief of a few months but worth a try. Also don't be worried about coming off tramadol. I was on it for 5 years and weaned off very successfully by going back onto the 50 mg tablets and reducing from there. I was absolutely dreading it but it was very easy in the end. I think it only took 3 weeks of staggering them out. Good luck

Sarah xx

Sheryl4659 profile image
Sheryl4659

Hi Daniel, Venlafaxine helps with my moods, anxiety and stress levels which in turn helps my pain levels, thanks for your support

Sheryl4659 profile image
Sheryl4659

Thank you for your reply Daniel I will look in to it

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