Does anyone have an Idea how long it takes the body to completely ween off a pain medication like tramadol to where a lower dose will work again? Months, Years ????

2 pills use to do the job now 3 isn't cutting it. So why would I go completely off Tramadol? I will reach a point where no amount will do the job and I want to have them be effective when it really counts. This means cutting back on activities that have cause me to take tramadol until they work effectively again and winter months are the best time for this.


Thanks,

Found this site:

http://prescription-drug.addictionbl...tramadol-last/

Hope the site helps.

Thanks good information. I'm looking to find out how long do I need to be off it completely before taking a smaller dose is does the job again. Anyone have a clue?

Hi Marty,

I have a couple of clues where to look. What you're talking about in your OP is called a "medication vacation". The amount of time will vary for individuals, and it's possible that your tolerance may build quicker subsequently to the break than it did beforehand. The longer you are off of a substance, the better, but in the case of chronic pain, that's not usually a choice.

medication vacation

Tapering is probably the best way to come off of any opioid, especially tramadol.
An alternative is "medication rotation" where your doctor prescribes a different medication for a time. The theory is that you may be able to do with less than an equivalent dose—at least until your body becomes accustomed to the new medication, at which time you may be able to switch back to tramadol.

pain medication rotation

Some doctors are amenable to these strategies, and some are not. All opioids eventually give rise to tolerance and dependence, so some doctors believe you may as well stick with one that works well for you for as long as possible.

Addendum: I recently came across this excellent article on the whole topic of pain medications & chronic pain. Worth a bookmark, IMO.

A Patient's Guide to: Medication Approach to Chronic Pain

Doc

I just had 3 Tramadol for breakfast
I now take 8 a day and still dont get the euphoria as I did with my first pill . I like this drug because of its 2 pronged attack in killing pain so your getting and anti depressant and a pain killer in the one tablet and the overall effect for me can be described as "I have PN but who cares"

I plan on cutting back soon by replacing Tramadol with Amitriptyline, increasing one whilst decreasing the other and then cycling back again over time

Great article and just what I was looking for. Thanks!

I don't know if you noticed, but it's one of a series of articles on various chronic pain topics. I posted the list in the chronic pain forum.

Doc

Marty,
Why do you think this is a tolerance to tramadol and not a worsening of your pain? Just a question. Have you completely eliminated gluten? Do you think gluten was the cause of your PN? I have been on tramadol for just a few months, and I hadn't thought of eventually getting a tolerance to it. So thanks for this depressing info.
Ron

Hi Ron,

Unfortunately, ALL opioids produce tolerance AND dependence eventually. Tramadol is slower than most for many people, but given enough time it is inevitable. It's just one of the risks that must be weighed against benefits for any/all medications of any kind. For many people in severe chronic pain, it's often of secondary concern.

Doc

Ron,
I think basically because tramadol works really well for me and just want to make sure it continues to well into the future. My pain would be much higher on days where I have allot of I have to do.

No I'm no gluten free completely.