Table of Contents
Key Points
- Tramadol is a synthetic opioid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat chronic pain, including moderate to severe pain.
- Though tramadol is not considered as strong as other opioid painkillers, substance abuse and addiction are still risks.
- Signs of tramadol addiction include spending an excessive amount of time using or recovering from tramadol, hazardous tramadol use, and unsuccessful attempts to cut back on your dose.
- To avoid uncomfortable side effects of Tramadol, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider for advice on tapering.
- Mild tramadol withdrawal symptoms can be managed with rest and hydration.
- A strong support system and relaxation techniques may make tramadol withdrawal more comfortable.
- Severe tramadol withdrawal symptoms, such as hallucinations and paranoia, may require medical care.
- Resuming use of opioid drugs after a period of abstinence can increase the risk of overdose.
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
Tramadol withdrawal symptoms can occur when someone develops a physical dependence to tramadol. Abruptly stopping this medication can lead to uncomfortable and even severe withdrawal effects. Some of these symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, chills, anxiety, and diarrhea, for example. [1] More severe withdrawal effects might include hallucinations, paranoia, and panic attacks. Medical detox can help you stop taking tramadol in a way that’s safer and more comfortable.
What Is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a member of a class of medications known as opioid agonists. [2] It’s FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. Brand names include ConZip, Ultram, and Qdolo. Tramadol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. In many cases, tramadol is prescribed to patients who are recovering from a surgical procedure.
As a synthetic opioid drug, tramadol has been linked to a risk of substance abuse and addiction. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified tramadol as a Schedule 4 controlled substance. [3] Still, tramadol isn’t considered as potent as other prescription opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone, for example.
Even though it may be milder than some other opioid painkillers, it’s still possible to develop an addiction to tramadol. A tramadol addiction may require professional substance use treatment from a medical professional or a treatment program. If you have a family history of substance abuse or other risk factors for addiction, tell your doctor before accepting a tramadol prescription. There may be alternative medications you can take that don’t pose the risk of addiction.
Signs of Tramadol Addiction
Tramadol is an opioid drug that poses a risk of abuse, dependency, and addiction. Addiction to this substance is considered an opioid use disorder, or OUD. If you or a loved one is taking tramadol, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of OUD, including: [4]
- Intense cravings for tramadol
- Difficulty controlling how much tramadol you take or for how long
- Using opioids in hazardous situations
- Trying to quit or cut back on tramadol unsuccessfully
- Trouble fulfilling responsibilities due to tramadol use
- Continuing to use opioids like tramadol despite it causing relationship problems or worsening physical or mental health conditions
- Spending an excessive amount of time using tramadol, obtaining the drug, or recovering from its effects
- Dropping out of other activities due to tramadol use
- Needing more and more opioids to achieve the same effect
- Having withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from tramadol use
According to the American Psychiatric Association and its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, or DSM-5 for short, two or more of these symptoms may indicate an opioid use disorder that requires professional treatment. Often, symptoms of a substance use disorder progress quickly when left untreated. The more symptoms you have, the more severe (and difficult to treat) a substance disorder can be.
Symptoms of Tramadol Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms associated with tramadol use are a hallmark sign of physical dependence. If you or a loved one is taking tramadol, it’s important to be aware of these opioid withdrawal effects:[5]
- Intense cravings for opioids
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Fever
- Dilated pupils
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Crying
- Diarrhea
More Serious Withdrawal Symptoms
In a small percentage of cases, more serious tramadol withdrawal symptoms can occur. These severe symptoms of withdrawal may include: [6]
- Severe anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Managing Tramadol Withdrawal
Mild tramadol withdrawal symptoms can be effectively managed at home, but only if supervised by a healthcare provider.. Here are some tips for easing the symptoms of withdrawal: [7]
- Get plenty of rest.
- Try relaxation techniques such as mindful meditation.
- Learn as much as you can about tramadol withdrawal to lessen fear and anxiety.
- Remind yourself that you’re not alone; many people have experienced withdrawal symptoms from tramadol.
- Drink plenty of water (i.e., 2 to 3 liters per day).
- Lean on your support system, including trusted family and friends.
If symptoms become more severe, it is essential to seek professional care. A doctor can prescribe medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or clonidine to address moderate to severe opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Avoiding Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
If you’re taking tramadol and want to stop, there could be a way to avoid experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Instead of going cold turkey, call your healthcare provider. They may be able to taper your dose in order to help you avoid serious or uncomfortable symptoms during detoxification or the withdrawal process.
What’s the Best Opioid Withdrawal Timeline?
There is no one best withdrawal timeline for tramadol. Instead, your doctor may consider several individual factors when developing a personalized tapering plan for you. Examples include:
- Your overall health, including physical and mental health
- What you’re using tramadol to treat
- Your specific dose
- How long you’ve been taking tramadol
Once your doctor prescribes a tapering regimen, follow it precisely. Suddenly taking more tramadol than indicated after a period of tapering could increase the risk of a life-threatening overdose. If you still experience withdrawal symptoms while tapering your dose of tramadol, contact your health care provider.
Tramadol Overdose: Signs and Symptoms
People who are addicted to tramadol are at an increased risk of opioid overdose, which can be life-threatening. If someone you care about is taking tramadol or is withdrawing from tramadol, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of an overdose, so you can intervene if necessary. These overdose symptoms may include: [8]
- Cold, clammy skin
- Tiny pupils
- Bluish fingernails or lips
- Unresponsiveness
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slow or noisy breathing
- Slow heart rate
An overdose on tramadol can be serious, but it’s not usually fatal unless combined with alcohol or other drugs. Call 911 and seek emergency medical attention. If you have naloxone on hand, administer it to reverse the effects of the opioid drug and then call 911. Stay with the person until emergency services arrive. You can also call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Tramadol Addiction Treatment
If you’ve developed an opioid dependence on tramadol or traditional opioids, help is available. A knowledgeable and compassionate substance use and rehabilitation counselor can help you explore treatment options, including medical detox, intensive outpatient treatment, and behavioral and mental health services. Specific services may be available for tramadol addiction or opioid use disorder. You don’t have to face addiction alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
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