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Tramadol withdrawal, I cannot deal with the insomnia

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charlotte_18445
charlotte_18445

It’s 23:11 and soon to be day 5 of Tramadol withdrawals, I’d be taking it about 16 months 8x50mg daily, I was prescribed it for bulged discs and sciatica. But I grew tired of the panicked feeling of “ did I remember to pack my tablets” and the constant guilt of looking at my two kids knowing what I had to take to function. So ( probably not the smartest choice) but I just stopped, luckily on a Friday so my husband was around at the wknd but now I’ve had a total of 8 hours sleep in 4 days, my daughter has tonsillitis and my toddler is hard work, I would sell my soul for 5 hours sleep. I’ve decided to bite the bullet and take lyrica for the restlessness. If anyone has a similar story please tell me roughly when I will sleep again?  All the best xx

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6 Replies

  • Buggsy1978
    Buggsy1978 charlotte_18445

    Posted

    Hi Charlotte 

    Sorry to hear the problems you are having.

    Tramodol is a very strong and potent pain killer and effects everyone differently. I too was on it for a long time for back pain, I ended up needing surgery, eventually I could come off them but my GP and Consultant came up with a reduced way to help me off them. So going cold turkey like you have done I would imagine you will be looking at 2/3 weeks before you will stop having the cravings for them.

    As a suggestion are you taking any other form of pain releife like parectemol or brufen?? If not try taking some for a few weeks it will help your body’s pain receptors, I would also suggest before going to bed have something to eat like toast and butter it can sometimes help with cravings.

    I hope this helps and you get the sleep you need, and I wish your daughter a speedy recovery.

    Let me know how you get on.

    Regards

    Buggsy

  • charlotte_18445
    charlotte_18445

    Posted

    Thanks bugssy that was helpful to hear I had to take 3x pregabalin to stop the restless leg syndrome and then I slept solidly for 6 hours!!!! I woke up so happy. I despise Tramadol and never ever will go near it again. So it’s officially day 5 and I think I’m over the worst... thank goodness! 

  • dawn68332
    dawn68332 charlotte_18445

    Posted

    Hi Charlotte, 

    Firstly well done on 5 days smile 

    Please be careful taking pregabalin instead, you may just be swapping one tablet for the other and having seen someone withdraw from pregabalin its worse than opiates. 

    I went cold turkey in November last year, just completely stopped taking codeine and tramadol and im not going to sugar coat it, it was hell, especially for the first 5-6 days. I also have a young child and I have never felt so bad in my life going through the withdrawal. I had a terrible stomach, sweats, restless leg, insomnia, the works, however each day I had short periods where I felt better and I knew I was getting there. You have two choices you now either carry on cold turkey if you think you can I know its hard with kids but you've come this far, or you have to taper down and this may take several weeks. Don't give up whichever option you choose. 

    I found magnesium salt crystals in a hot bath before bed helped my legs enough to drop me off to sleep and just plenty of water.

    I was taking my medication for medical conditions for 6 years so don't less this knock you back. After 2 weeks I pretty much felt back to normal, I know this feels like a lifetime away but you are so close to 7 days it will be here in no time. I have never touched another tablet again and 8 months down the line I have my life and energy back. 

    Good luck x 

    • charlotte_18445
      charlotte_18445 dawn68332

      Posted

      Thank you dawn, don’t worry the pregabalin is just being used in an emergency situation, last night I just felt like a zombie and even after those 6 magnificent hours sleep, I still feel totally drained, my body has a lot of catching up to do,   You mentioned you were on opioids for 6 years? That must of been horrific coming off them and my heart goes out to you! Well done for steering clear too. 

       Withdrawals are cruel and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I’ve wiped my hands of them and I feel free... tired, but definitely free lol xx

  • ct87265
    ct87265 charlotte_18445

    Posted

    Hi, old post I know but im just wondering how you progressed?

    im day 13 of no tramadol and im still suffering badly, insomnia & anxiety being the worst. Can you tell me how long it lasted for you?

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