Tramadol Taper Help

Hello all, I am looking for advice on tapering from tramadol. I have been prescribed tramadol for about 5 years now for chronic bursitis in my shoulder after 2 reconstructive surgeries. I take on average 6 50mg pills a day. I know it's an issue because I no longer take it solely for pain and find myself now taking it just to feel normal and keep away WDs that develop anytime I miss a dose. I've tried to stop before and the WDs are horrible. Mainly depression, insomnia and lack of energy are what gets me the most. I've developed a taper schedule that I'm beginning today. I am going to drop my daily dose by 50 mgs every 4 days until I reach 0, which will take just over 2 weeks. Is this taper schedule too rapid? I've tried other methods to quit (cold turkey was a nightmare, and suboxone which was even worse than the tram. I actually got back on tram to get off of the subs!) any advice or encouragement would be much appreciated! I really need it to work this time. I don't expect to stop without any discomfort but I have a good career and a family depending on me so I am hoping to avoid severe, can't function type of WDs. Everytime I've gone through it before it feels like my life falls to shambles!

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I am so very sorry about the problems that you're having.

That is a very rapid taper and yes, it might be too much too fast. Tapering is usually done very gradually, with the preferred modern method being to have the person start to skip doses, such as taking one tablet less a day, every other day for a week, then every two days and it can actually take a month, or longer to do it properly and prevent withdrawals.

Have you spoken to your doctor for assistance? They'll be best able to advise you on what would be safest for you.

The FDA classifies this medication as being a narcotic analgesic, so it has the potential to be habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation.

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Thanks for your reply. You were right. It was too rapid of a taper. Once I got down to 4 pills a day I started feeling the WDs. Yawning, sneezing and body aches every few hours after my last dose. I went to the Dr today and worked out a longer taper schedule and with the help of my wife, keeping them and only giving me what I'm scheduled each day I should be able to stop taking these damn things and get back to a normal life. Thanks again for the honest answer!

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