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 to function normally, a condition 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. If you or your loved one is struggling with withdrawal from Tramadol, don’t give up yet. Avenues Recovery, a leading provider of drug rehab, explains what you can expect when coming off Tramadol and how to taper off Tramadol safely and achieve sobriety for life.
Key Takeaways on Withdrawal From Tramadol
- Tramadol is an opioid-like pain reliever that can cause physical dependence when used long-term.
- Tramadol withdrawal looks like a combination of flu-like symptoms, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
- Common tramadol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, nausea, sweating, tremors, and insomnia.
- The tramadol withdrawal timeline often begins within 12 – 24 hours of the last dose and may last 5 – 7 days, with lingering psychological effects.
- Tramadol withdrawal can be managed through tapering, supportive care, hydration, exercise, and emotional support.
- Medically supervised tramadol detox is the safest and most effective option to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
What Is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by altering how the brain and nervous system respond to pain signals. Tramadol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with doses typically ranging from 50 mg to 400 mg per day under medical supervision.
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 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 or addiction.
What Does Withdrawal From Tramadol Look Like?
Withdrawal from tramadol looks like a combination of physical and psychological symptoms. Common tramadol withdrawal side effects include anxiety, sweating, nausea, muscle aches, insomnia, and flu-like discomfort. Severe cases may cause hallucinations, panic attacks, or seizures. Symptoms generally begin within 12 – 24 hours after the last dose and can last 5 – 7 days. 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, though some people experience what is termed a ‘traditional opioid withdrawal syndrome, ’ others, more rarely, experience ‘atypical opioid withdrawal syndrome’ because of the neurotransmitter effects.
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 symptoms of tramadol withdrawal 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.
How Can I Manage Tramadol Withdrawal?
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. In particular, stopping tramadol cold-turkey can bring on a host of unwanted side 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 Detox: An Effective Way Forward
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.
Manage Withdrawal from Tramadol With Avenues 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. So you can experience a successful recovery, 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.
FAQs on Withdrawal From Tramadol
What are the withdrawal symptoms of tramadol?
Tramadol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, sweating, nausea, insomnia, tremors, and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can cause hallucinations, panic attacks, or seizures. Symptoms usually begin 12 – 24 hours after the last dose and may last 5 – 7 days, though psychological effects like mood swings can persist longer.
Can you withdraw from tramadol?
Yes, you can withdraw from tramadol because it is an opioid - like pain reliever that can cause physical dependence. Withdrawal may produce symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, tremors, insomnia, and flu-like effects. Symptoms typically start 12 – 24 hours after stopping and can last 5 – 7 days, with lingering psychological effects possible.
What helps withdrawal from tramadol?
You can ease tramadol withdrawal by tapering the dose under medical supervision, staying hydrated, and using medications like clonidine for anxiety or anti-nausea drugs for stomach upset. Exercise, sleep hygiene, and support groups also reduce symptoms. Severe cases may require inpatient detox or long-term therapy for lasting recovery.