Withdrawal Symptoms

Tramadol is a non-narcotic painkiller that is classified as an opiod analgesic. Its effects, although less than pure narcotic opiate medications, can produce various physical, psychological and neurological withdrawal symptoms if suddenly discontinued.

Tramadol is a prescription medication used for treating moderate to moderately severe pain. Patients who excessively use Tramadol can experience withdrawal symptoms similar to narcotic opiate withdrawal if abruptly discontinued. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms can include insomnia, diarrhea, anxiety, goose bumps, pain, fever, nausea, panic attacks, chills, sweating, tremors, respiratory symptoms and hallucinations. Additional symptoms of Tramadol withdrawal that are typical with prolonged use include sleep difficulties, headaches, aches and pains, loss of appetite, cold or flu-like symptoms and mood swings.

Although Tramadol is prescribed for chronic or acute pain, it is known to be used as a recreational drug due to its effects of elation that is similar to opiod effects. Although Tramadol is not as potent in its intensity as narcotic medication, it can be dangerous if used for non-medical purposes, as convulsive overdose is possible. When taken over the recommended dosage, Tramadol can cause seizures. Continued high doses can also disrupt normal sleeping patterns.

Tramadol withdrawal is similar to other opiate-based medications, which can be a painful process for patients. Overdose and withdrawal of Tramadol can result in heart, lung, brain, kidney and liver damage. Patients whose health is compromised due to dependency of this medication may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, which sometimes can be fatal without professional medical supervision. Because the body becomes use to the effects of Tramadol, if this medication is suddenly discontinued, the body can produce withdrawal symptoms. This can occur in patients who have been prescribed this drug for legitimate use as well as in abuse. Withdrawal symptoms are a normal physical response to discontinuing the use of medications such as Tramadol and do not necessarily mean it is a sign of abuse, however, it is more likely to occur in individuals who are addicted to this medication.

Predicting how long an individual may experience withdrawal effects of Tramadol is difficult. Oftentimes, the withdrawal symptoms become so intense that people will begin to take the medication again, which makes it difficult to determine how long symptoms of withdrawal would have lasted. Factors that influence how long withdrawal symptoms last include how long the patient has been taking Tramadol, what the dosage was as well as additional individual factors. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms are more likely to last longer in people who suffer from kidney, liver of other diseases that prevent the medication from leaving the body at a normal rate, although symptoms may not be as severe. Healthy, younger people may experience withdrawal symptoms that are more intense, but do not last as long.

Because Tramadol can cause withdrawal symptoms if discontinued suddenly, patients should not stop taking this medication abruptly. When discontinuing its use, your health care provider will slowly lower the dosage over time to prevent or minimize withdrawal symptoms. When taking Tramadol, always carefully follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage.