Tramadol Detox

What Is Tramadol Detox?

Tramadol detox is the process of cleansing the body of the Opioid Tramadol. This is the first step that must happen if someone is suffering from Tramadol addiction. It allows the person to go into recovery treatment with a clear body, so they can clear their mind. People who try to recover without the detox process, or who fail at it, are more likely to relapse and less likely to seek treatment again.

About Tramadol

Of the commonly prescribed Opioids, Tramadol is among the weakest. While this typically makes people think that it won’t be as addictive, and truthfully it is not, the potential is still there. Tramadol’s strength as an Opioid makes it an excellent place to start for more mild pain, like post-surgery symptoms. However, there are some cases where it doesn’t treat pain enough. At times like those, it is imperative that the person in pain reach out to their doctor immediately. If they don’t, they are more likely to up their dose on their own. It may not seem like a bad idea, as they know how much pain they’re in, but taking more than that prescribed dose of any drug makes the user much more likely to become dependent or addicted.

Someone suffering from dependence or addiction may not realize it until their prescription ends. At that time, they may experience anything from a little discomfort, to anxiety, or even physical pain. This is all part of the detox process, and if they don’t find help to stay on this road, they are more likely to turn to other means to procure their “prescription.”

Symptoms Of Tramadol Withdrawal

Cases of withdrawal can vary greatly from person to person. The length of time and amount of drugs the individual took will determine how severe their withdrawal is, along with a number of other factors such as the individual’s overall mental and medical health, whether they used other drugs with Tramadol, and how they took the drug. Because it is relatively weak compared to other Opioids, unless someone is taking a huge amount, they’ll likely only suffer fairly common, non-lethal symptoms of withdrawal a few days after their last dose. Common withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting Tramadol include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Runny nose
• Excessive sweating
• Yawning
• Abdominal cramps
• Bone pain
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Epiphora
• Nausea
• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps
• Vomiting

In certain cases, atypical symptoms can surface. These symptoms can be more severe than others, and cause the afflicted to become violent to themselves or others. Atypical symptoms include:

• Severe anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Numbness
• Tingling/Prickling feelings
• Tinnitus
• Tactile/Visual/Auditory hallucinations

While none of the symptoms of Tramadol withdrawal are inherently lethal, they can still lead someone to be more self-destructive, especially if they crave more Tramadol or another Opioid. While withdrawal can be dangerous, there are medications that can be prescribed to help with the process.

Tramadol Detox Medications

The process of Tramadol detox, though not inherently harmful, can be difficult. Luckily, there are medications that can assist in the process of detox and ease the pains that come with it. The most common Tramadol detox medications include:

Methadone

Methadone is a potent Opioid. This means that it will activate the same parts of the brain that Tramadol does, but without the euphoria. This makes it a powerful tool in handling the symptoms of withdrawal. However, while only very mild euphoric feelings are produced, it can still be addictive and should only be taken under medical supervision from a special clinic.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is similar to Methadone, with the caveat that it is weaker and not as long-acting. Given its lesser potency, there is less of a risk of overdose. Buprenorphine is capable of treating all levels of addiction, regardless of how much Tramadol they took.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is used to block Opioid receptors. That means that it can’t provide any of the benefits of other medications, but it can block the high that someone would get if they were to relapse. Because it can’t ease the symptoms of withdrawal, however, it is only prescribed after the detox is complete and all Opioids are out of the patient’s symptoms.

Stages Of Tramadol Withdrawal

Tramadol Withdrawal Timeline
Days 1 – 3	People going through Tramadol withdrawal will notice the onset of withdrawal within the first three days. Within this time they’ll feel the symptoms of withdrawal as well as experience cravings for Tramadol.
Days 4 – 7	At this time, someone experiencing Tramadol withdrawal will feel more intense drug cravings. Their symptoms of withdrawal may also intensify, or they may experience new symptoms.
Days 8 – 14	At this point, symptoms of withdrawal are easing. Some symptoms may persist but they are generally benign.

Get Help With Tramadol Detox

Going through a detox, for any drug, is a crucial time for recovery. If someone fails the detox process, be that it is too difficult or there is too much pain, not only will they relapse but they’ll be less likely to try again. Finding a treatment center that offer detox services can be the difference between sobriety and relapse.

If you or someone you love suffers from addiction, know that help is available. There are people across the country who have been through the same process and have experience that can make detox easier on the body and mind. If you don’t know where to start your search, or if you’ve tried and you’re totally lost, then reach out to a dedicated treatment provider. They’re available to answer your questions and help you plan out your next steps toward recovery.