Coping with Tramadol Withdrawal
Tramadol is rapidly growing in popularity. Some doctors will even say that it is a safe alternative to most other opiates. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It is still an opiate and, therefore, the user has the same chance of serious withdrawal symptoms as those they would experience from taking other opioid drugs.
In order to cope with tramadol withdrawal, it is important to know what tramadol is prescribed for, the withdrawal symptoms, and the treatment for tramadol withdrawal.
What Is Tramadol for?
According to the National Library of Medicine, tramadol is for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is an opiate that can treat anything from simple broken bone pain to chronic pain. It works to change the way that the brain responds to pain.
It is possible to become addicted to tramadol.
If you find yourself taking more than your dose or using tramadol without a prescription, call 800-662-8079(Who Answers?). We can help.
What Are the Symptoms of Withdrawal from Tramadol?
Individual counseling can help you cope with the effects of tramadol addiction.
Stopping tramadol suddenly has some unfortunate consequences. Some of these symptoms associated with withdrawal are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Unusual thoughts or feelings
- Aggression
- Irritability
Essentially all of the symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal are also associated with tramadol.
Unfortunately, there is another symptom of tramadol withdrawal that is not ordinarily associated with opioids. According to the article “Psychosis Following Tramadol Withdrawal,” tramadol acts a bit differently than other opioids. This sometimes causes a psychotic episode when tramadol is stopped suddenly. This is one of the reasons why tramadol withdrawal in a treatment center is so important.
How Is Withdrawal from Tramadol Treated?
Tramadol withdrawal is treated the same way any other opioid withdrawal is. There are two primary forms of treatment.
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication assisted treatment begins with detox, including medication for withdrawal. Doctors use one of several medications to control the symptoms of withdrawal. These medications are:
- Methadone: stops withdrawal symptoms, controls chronic pain
- Buprenorphine: less addictive than methadone but less effective for chronic pain
- Suboxone: a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone that prevents withdrawal and blocks further opiate use
- Naloxone: strictly used for opiate overdose and to completely block opiates
- Naltrexone: also to treat alcohol addiction; it stops users from feeling the effects of opiates
These medications are designed to be used throughout treatment. Some of them, like methadone, are designed to treat chronic pain for an extended period; others are meant for you to wean off after a few weeks or months depending on your situation.
Behavioral Therapy and Counseling
Behavioral therapy and counseling works best when combined with medication assisted therapy. These therapies usually include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- 12 step counseling
Counseling is a way to discover the cause of the addiction and to deal with the effects of it.
Where to Find Help for Tramadol Withdrawal
Although tramadol acts differently than other opiates, it is still an opiate. It is still an addictive painkiller. You do not have to go through withdrawal alone. Call 800-662-8079(Who Answers?), we can help.
