Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that medical professionals prescribe to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is typically referred to as a weaker opioid, as it is not as potent as oxycodone or fentanyl. Still, it works on the opioid receptors in your brain to relieve pain in the same manner as other opioids.
Since tramadol works in the brain in the same manner as traditional opioids, it can lead to physical dependence and addiction.[1] If you or a loved one suffers from tramadol addiction, you might be wondering what to expect during withdrawal. Tramadol can lead to withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, sweating, muscle aches, vomiting, fatigue, and more.
While tramadol withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, the symptoms can cause you to relapse without professional help. Tramadol withdrawal can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks, making it important that you have support from a medical detox center. These programs offer medications and treatments that help you overcome your withdrawal symptoms and achieve long-term sobriety.
In this article, you will learn:
- What symptoms to expect during tramadol withdrawal
- What is the tramadol withdrawal timeline
- How does detox help you overcome tramadol withdrawal
What are the Symptoms of Tramadol Withdrawal?
You will experience withdrawal symptoms after abruptly stopping the use of tramadol if you are dependent on it. Signs of dependence on tramadol include being unable to stop using it, experiencing cravings to consume it, and needing to increase your dose to experience an effect.
The symptoms of tramadol withdrawal are similar to other opioids. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, sweating, etc. While they are not life-threatening, tramadol withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to overcome without medical treatment.
The most common symptoms of tramadol withdrawal include:[2]
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Chills and sweating
- Cravings for tramadol
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
If you experience the symptoms of tramadol withdrawal, you are suffering from a substance use disorder. You should attend an addiction treatment center that offers medically supervised detox services.
How Long Does Tramadol Withdrawal Last?
The timeline for tramadol withdrawal can vary from person to person. Depending on factors like your dosage and frequency of tramadol use, how long you were addicted, and your method of administration, your symptoms may last longer than others. Despite this, most people experience the same general timeline.
The tramadol withdrawal timeline typically occurs in stages:
24 Hours
The first stage of withdrawal is onset. Symptoms of withdrawal will begin within 24 hours of your last dose. Typically, these symptoms are mild.
The main thing you need to worry about during the first 24 hours is the cravings you will experience. Your urges to abuse tramadol can be intense, often leading to a relapse. This is why you should always seek assistance from a medical detox center.
2 to 3 Days
Sometime between 2 to 3 days after your last dose of tramadol, your withdrawal symptoms will peak. In other words, they will be at their most severe. You might experience cravings, vomiting, chills, excessive sweating, insomnia, mood swings, and more.
1 to 2 Weeks
Between 1 to 2 weeks after your last dose of tramadol, your symptoms will begin to subside. After one week, usually, you will only experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal like insomnia, mood changes, and cravings for tramadol. These symptoms can persist longer than 2 weeks if you develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).[3]
What to Expect During Tramadol Detox
Tramadol detox programs exist to provide you with the treatment and support you need to overcome withdrawal. They will offer medical supervision, medications, and psychological counseling to help you cope while your body rids itself from tramadol.
Depending on how severe your tramadol addiction is, you might be given methadone or buprenorphine to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms. These medications affect the same opioid receptors in your brain as tramadol, preventing withdrawal without causing a high. Your doctor will set you up on a tapering schedule, which means you will slowly titrate off of the medications until you no longer need them.
In addition to medication, nurses will constantly monitor your vital signs to ensure you remain stable. They will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and body temperature. If any problems arise, you will receive prompt treatment.
Lastly, detox can be incredibly taxing on your mental state. Even if you are not experiencing psychological withdrawal symptoms, giving up a drug you are addicted to is difficult. Because of this, you will have 24/7 access to mental health professionals throughout the detox process.
Get Connected to a Tramadol Detox Center
If you or a loved one suffers from tramadol addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer a comprehensive drug rehab program that includes medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning.
Contact us today to learn more about our tramadol detox center.
References:
- Medline Plus: Tramadol
- Taylor and Francis Online: Atypical Withdrawal Symptoms after Abrupt Tramadol Discontinuation: A Case Report
- Science Direct: Identification and Evidence-Based Treatment of Post–Acute Withdrawal Syndrome