Does anyone have a good tapering schedule for tramadol?
Question posted by Determined89 on 6 Jan 2014
Last updated on 21 June 2020
I have been taking tramadol now for about 2 years. I am up to taking 600 mg. (3 in the morning and 3 in the evening). I started out taking it for back pain but really liked the way it gave me energy and I could get a lot done. Because of this I feel like I'm abusing it and want to get off of it. I have read all over about how the withdrawal is almost unbearable and I'm so scared of facing it! I haven't told my husband. I would really prefer to get through this myself so that I can get back to normal for him and for my two kids, 5 and 6 years old. I have a few more left and think I can get another prescription so that I can taper off but am in need of a tapering schedule that will work. I know that this won't take the withdrawal symptoms away completely but I need to be able to go to work and take care of my family, even though I know I will feel like crap :( I went through my medicine cabinet to see if there are any medicines that I haven't taken in a while but might help:
Buspirone - for anxiety Effexor - for anxiety (I only have a few) Tizanidine - muscle relaxer Phenergan - for nausea Clondine - blood pressure (is supposed to help with chills and sweating) Adderall - ? not sure if this could be helpful Immodium - for diarrhea Ibuprofen - 800 mg. for pain Bath salts & jacuzzi tub - for muscle aches Icy Hot Gift cards for massages
I have read the Thomas recipe and will go out to buy some other things like Tylenol PM, Vitamins, Vitamin B6 caps, L-Tyrosine, etc... Is there any advice that anyone can give to help me through this? Mainly I'm here for support because I know that if there is someone I can talk to, I will stick to it and get through it! I have to post daily to make myself accountable and to beat this. I'm tired of waiting for my next refill and spending so much money at the doctor. I'm tired of being moody and dependent. My back pain is better I know it. I can't wait to get back to normal! Thank you!
Added 6 Jan 2014:
I'm sorry, I can't add! :) I take 300 mg a day! 3x50mg in the morning and 3x50mg in the evening.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
15 Answers
RE
Redwoods3
24 Nov 2019
ULTRAM (Tramadol HCL Tablets) Taper Schedule: A safe and effective taper from this particular medication should be a reduction of 1/2 tablet per week. Example: Total daily dose of 400mg (which equals 8 tablets per day). First week reduce dosage from 400mg per day to 375mg per day (7 1/2 tablets daily). Second week reduce dosage from 375mg per day to 350mg per day (7 tablets daily). Third week reduce dosage from 350mg to 325mg per day (6 1/2 tablets daily). Forth week reduce dosage from 325mg per day to 300mg per day (6 tablets daily). Fifth week reduce from 300mg per day to 275mg (5 1/2 tablets per day). Etc., etc. Each week reduce dosage by 1/2 tablet and the final week, reduce the 1/2 tablet in half for the last week and that’s it, no withdrawal, no more dependency.
THIS TAPER SCHEDULE IS CONSIDERED A MODERATE TAPER AND WORKS WELL FOR MOST PEOPLE. IF YOUR LESS SENSITIVE, YOU MAY REDUCE DOSAGE BY 1/2 TABLET EVERY THREE OR FOUR DAYS INSTEAD OF WEEKLY, THIS WILL GET YOU OFF TRAMADOL MUCH FASTER AND STILL BE SAFE. It’s often better to discuss your taper with a trusted friend or loved one so that they can keep you motivated and help you stick to your regimen of reduction. Good Luck!
Votes: +0
HE
hez1975
3 June 2019
I have been on tramadol 400 mg a day for 2 months, if I stop will I have withdrawals?
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GO
golf99
4 March 2019
How did everything work out?
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GI
GinaPA
6 March 2019
I'm also curious to know if everyone in this thread who started weaning has succeeded, or if they found they needed the Tramadol and are still on it today?
KE
kevinb1953
22 Aug 2018
Hi. Your best bet is to ask a your doctor to prescribe a tapering prescription that goes to a compounding pharmacy. I'd ask a specifically qualified withdrawal health care professional to advise you too. Give him or her your entire history with this drug. Everyone is different. I hope this helps you Kevin
Votes: +0
LA
Laurak72110
21 Aug 2018
If you want minimal withdrawal symptoms, then taper very slowly.
Votes: +1
RE
redfox1
28 May 2018
@Determined89 Were you able to taper off? I've been taking 250 mg tramadol for the last 4-5 years and my pain is much better now plus my doctor told me no more. I've been tapering but feel like hell. It's this constant fatigue, malaise, night sweats, and I'm not "happy" so to speak. I'm going to have blood work done soon to rule out hormonal issues etc. but can I take maybe Prozac 10 mg to help with my mood? Yes, I take Tyrosine plus vitamins B, C, D, fish oil etc.
Votes: +1
CO
Coco8800
30 April 2018
Hi, I was put on it like 2 years ago for back stenosis and arthritis. I started with 50mg 1x daily for like a year. It worked miracles because it gave me so much energy and took all the pain away. After a year I started taking 2x a day 50mg, 100mg daily total. Its not alot but it works magic. I had a brain mri and it showed about 6 white matter spots. Started seeing a neurologist recently and he says even one tramadol can cause a seizure when you have scars on the brain. Im ready to come off it completely now since the thought of a seizure scares me. I Never had any symptoms on it, except 3 days ago. I ended up in the hospital because I felt i was going to faint. At the hospital they didnt find anything wrong. The next day i felt better but with light headache . Then today I got that same faint feeling again and its freaking me out. Not sure if the tramadol is messing with me or could it be a panic attack .
Ill ask my neurologist tomorrow. Regardless , I cut it down to 1x day 50mg. Ill do that for a week then half of 50mg for another week 25mg then one day yes one day no for like 4 days. Its important to come off any drug that impares the brain. I know its a hard journey but it has to be done. With lots of effort and emphasis it can be achieved. Once we realize we dont NEED to depend on a drug to make us feel normal or good we will feel free again. Atleast im hoping and praying i succeed. I wish you all the luck and blessings and just think it can and must be done!!! Good luck.
Votes: +0
SU
Summer time
11 March 2018
Hi there... I'm in the same boat as you. I was told to take Tramadol for pain after my back surgery, which was last oct. Well I like the way it gives me energy in the late afternoon. I can get stuff done. Before surgery, I could get everything done and more, but now I'm on Tramadol and want to get off of it, so I just stopped taking it... didn't like the way I felt, so now I'm back on it. Didn't know how to ease off of it and got really worried that I was gonna be on this stuff for ever. I'm glad to read that there is a way to deal with this. I hope that you are doing ok. If you need to reach out to someone else who is going through the same, I'm here!
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MS
MsStar
9 April 2016
I just wanted to ask you a question first if you don't mind? How did you get a prescription for 600mg? The highest and most safest dosage is 400mg a day. Please don't think I'm here to judge because I certainly am not at all I promise you that. I really can't help very much other than ask your Dr to wean you off and he or she can do it slowly and safely and monitor you for any adverse reactions and there is always the fear and possibility of having a seizure! Good Luck and would love to know how it goes if possible?
Votes: +1
MI
Midnight77
21 Oct 2017
You must have missed the note she posted. She said she added wrong and it was 300 mg a day, not 600mg.
HI
hikerbiker28
21 Jan 2016
Hello! I am in the same boat as you but without any meds to help with withdrawals. Nobody knows I am using Tramadol daily but I can tell it is affecting my relationships in a negative way. I just don't have the energy I used it which is ironic because I've read where others used it to GET energy. Did tapering 50 mgs a week work for you? I'd sure like to hear how it went for you as I begin to travel down the same road...
Votes: +0
CJ
Cjm2164
23 Feb 2018
Gave me awesome energy in the beginning. But I think energy came from the pain going away because it sucked up all my energy. But it did give more energy than just from the pain going away. But after 20 years it's not as effective anymore.
HY
Hysteria2012
6 Aug 2018
That is exactly what I experience. With 100 mg a day I had all the energy and I was unstoppable. Proud of what I achieved daily. Now with 250 I feel like a zombie. No energy, always tired, standing up in the morning almost impossible. I started with tapering of today. I'm on 100 mg with 10 mg diazepam in between and will take a half or a whole one for the night. I've been through getting off twice now and I experience the withdrawals of colds and totally weakness up to not able to walk. I'm so under pressure as I have a dog and my partner has no idea. It's horrible but I'm sure we can get through this together. Depression is another side effect with lots of crying... But I can do that in secret
AW
Awaves
18 Aug 2014
I need some serious help too. New to this site. I need to get off this evil medicine. Who can I talk too?
Votes: +0
KA
kaismama
18 Aug 2014
There is nothing evil about the medicine. If you use it correctly you can get off of it. You just have to do it at your pace. Take it slowly, don't drop more then you can at a time. Every one is different. And above all, don't listen to horror stories. Many medications cause dependence, all that means is you can't just stop them abruptly.
DE
Delila
19 Aug 2014
Hi, you can join the Tramadol support group (just search for it in the box at the top of the page), or post more details here, or ask your own question, and people will be able to help you...
MA
MarieNAnna
27 Aug 2014
I need help too getting off Tramadol. Been taking it for 5 years. 400-500 mg a day. I've got 90 pills left and need help, using these 90 only, to get off. Someone please help! I'm desperate/scared/anxious. I've tried to do this before and it was bad.
DE
Delila
27 Aug 2014
Hi, you should reduce the quantity by 50mg at a time... I think you are going to find it hard with only 90 tablets left unfortunately. Usually i would advise to start at 400mg - for 5-7 days, then drop to 350mg for the same time period, then 300mg... you get the idea... you may be OK doing this at a faster rate, some people find it easier than others. Can you not ask for help from the prescribing physician? So you have a better area of adjustment, more tablets to do this with?
BO
Boot5619
8 Nov 2014
I've been on since 2006 taking 250 need help I'm scared
DE
Delila
9 Nov 2014
Hi Boot, are you ready to discontinue treatment of Tramadol now?
LI
Litrose5
29 Nov 2014
Hi... i tries to stop it abruptly (I'm trying to get pregnant and wanted to "flush out" any chemicals I had in me) and it was horrible... my body became tense and I grew anxious and stayed awake for an entire day. I'm on my second day and I couldnt do it. I just took my 50mg tonight. I'm scared I may be pregnant but can't dealwith the withdrawals... any suggestions? I am going to make an appointment with NY DR to see what can be done. I'm also on metformin for PCOS... I've been readireading the comments and they are helping...
DE
Delila
29 Nov 2014
Hi, i'm glad reading the comments are helping. Discontinuing Tramadol can be really tough, but i'm glad you are trying for the sake of your baby. Do you have a tapering plan?
LI
Litrose5
29 Nov 2014
I'm planning on taking 2 pills for one week then dropping to 1 for the following week. I also plan on letting my doctor know the ddifficulty I've been having and the worry of tramadol harming my child. A birth defects common when taking tramadol?
DE
Delila
1 Dec 2014
They are not as common as you think. You are doing the right thing, try not o worry about the complications of your pregnancy, the stress isn't helpful. Go to your scheduled scans and i'm sure everything will be ok. You can't do any more than you are doing already...
DZ
dzeuli
29 July 2015
Hello there. Is there anyone on this support group yet? I've been reading all the posts and I can relate so much. I honestly cannot tell you how many tramadol I am taking a day but I know it could be up to 500 milligrams. I have a hundred left and wondering about tapering plan on that.
I am also trying to wean off tramadol. I have been taking 50mg daily for a year. I find it really enhances my mood so thats been my recent main reason for taking it, but I originally started it for back pain which I have on occasion now. I am at 2 days at 25mg, from what I read here, it looks like going a week at that dosage and then to either none or less, Im anxious about it because its helped my mood, focus and energy. Which seems like a non-typical effect, but it does affect the serotonin, which is probably why this is hard to wean off. I feel awesome when I take it, so I'm nervous to be reducing it. I have tried zoloft in the past but it had some side effects and I don't really want to be on an anti-depressant if I can somehow treat it more naturally.
Votes: +0
DE
Delila
12 Aug 2014
Hi, because you are taking such a low dose, there isn't much room for reduction, other than to split the tablets, if you are taking an immediate release tablet, rather than a capsule or XR version. I would advise reducing the dose to 25mg for 2 weeks, then trying to take this dose every other day for a further 2 or 3 weeks. Then reduce to 25mg every 3 days, and gradually reducing further still to every 4 days, then 5, etc, etc. This, of course, will be a lengthy process... alternatively you can try a clean discontinuation, but you need to be aware that you may experience minor withdrawal symptoms for a couple of weeks. Taking an antidepressant is nothing to be ashamed about if you feel you need that serotonin boost. Speak to your doctor about this if you are struggling?
MA
marie848476
12 Aug 2014
Thanks, this is helpful. I think I am going to talk to my md about the serotonin boost just to feel better. The Zoloft I couldn't take with the tramadol so I had gone off it. I know there are other choices, thanks again!
MA
MarieNAnna
29 Nov 2014
I gave successfully weaned to 50 mg once a day. It literally took months to get here. Bad leg pain at night, tingling, restless legs, leg cramps. The key is slow. After the holidays I'll start breaking pills in half and get to 25 mg a day.
RE
Renee19
24 March 2016
Hi Marie! I was wondering how your tapering went? I am experiencing withdrawal symptoms. I was taking 100mg once daily, for about a month. I did not take it yesterday and immediately felt the withdrawal symptoms. Do you think I should try taking 50mg for a week then reduce again?
AB
Abouillion6789
26 Sep 2016
I have been taking 50mg daily for about 12 years now and I have to say the withdrawals from tramadol are the worst! Even if it's 50mg a day as opposed to a lot of comments I'm reading from ppl who are taking 300mg a day-you would think the withdrawals from 50 shouldn't be too bad, but it is miserable. Hot and cold sweats, can't move off of the couch, fever, body/muscle aches like no other, & can't sleep. Even if you can sleep - you will be clammy and sweaty one minute and freezing the next. So even if you're only on 50mg... TAPER off!
hi! I'm also trying to taper off Tramadol. I've been taking it for three or four years, can't really remember... ( It is hard and it hurts. The worst so far for me are the night sweats when I can actually sleep. I wake in a pool of sweat with my clothes drenched. Pretty gross. I'm also very irritable but that's to be expected it guess. I'm down to 100mg twice a day. I think I will taper by reducing 50 mg a week. I tried to cut my dose in half the last three days and I feel like crap. I do feel for you because when I did work it is so difficult to try to kick these meds. I know how you feel by wanting to keep this from your husband. I am the same way. I wish you the best of luck and believe in yourself. you can do this! keep posting!
Votes: +1
KA
kaismama
6 Jan 2014
Thank heavens you corrected the dosage, it will make a big difference in stopping it if you take 300 as opposed to 600. I took 400 a day for more then 10 yrs because it was the only pain med my dr would order. Recently I went to a pain dr and he told me to stop it and put me on something else. He told me to cut one pill a day for 3 days then another pill a day for 3 more days etc. The next day I took 150 mg, the day after that 100 and the third day 50. After that I took 50 for about a week, then stopped it. I have had no withdrawal whatsoever. A good many of the people who have trouble getting off of it were taking more then they should be and not for the pain but for the feeling they got from it. You can do it, try not taking the 3 pills in the morning and just take 2 and take the 3 at night. See how that goes and when you are ready to decrease another pill.
Votes: +1
DE
Determined89
6 Jan 2014
Thank you so much for your help! I really feel good about this now. Well, not GREAT but I know I can do it! This is day 1 of cutting down the dosage and I feel okay. I slept pretty good last night because of the muscle relaxer. I woke up quite a bit but was always able to fall back asleep. I could feel my stomach cramping up a bit but took some Immodium and feel better. I'm going to get up and take a shower before my kids get up. They have been sleeping pretty late while on Christmas vacation :) I'm going to take your advice and just keep battling the withdrawal symptoms as they come. Thanks for your advice :)
JA
jackel1
26 July 2016
I've been taking tramadol for off and on four about a year 1-2 or 3 a day want to taper off stop completely . Help please
LO
Lowcountrymama
29 Oct 2018
Did you start your new medication while stopping the tramadol? I’m thinking that is the reason you had no withdrawals at all. You are the only person who I have seen who say they have zero withdrawal sickness. I got pretty excited about this until I reread and saw that the dr was putting you on a different medication. Just wanted to make sure people know that if you are going from one med to the next then you may not see a withdrawal symptom, but if you are going off of everything you are sure to feel something.
You sound like you are ready to taper off this medication and certainly have an arsenal of meds for any withdrawal symptoms. If you reduce by 50mgs daily, stay at that dosage for a week, then reduce by another 50mgs for another week, etc. you should have little withdrawal. Once you are down to 50mgs a day, go to 25mgs a day for a week and then stop. Tramadol has antidepressant properties so don't be alarmed if you get a little depressed. I would not take any of the above mentioned perscription meds unless ok'ed by your doctor. By tapering slowly you'll find that this is much easier than you are imagining. I'm here daily so you are more than welcome to converse with me as you do this. YOU CAN DO THIS!!
Votes: +4
DE
Determined89
6 Jan 2014
Thank you so much for your response! I feel much better like I can do this! I'm not looking forward to feeling depressed but hopefully it won't be for too long and it's worth it for my family! I'm very grateful for this forum :) I'll let you know how I'm doing.
LA
LaurieShay
6 Jan 2014
OK stay in touch
DE
Determined89
7 Jan 2014
Hi Laurie. I'm discouraged! I tried to cut down by too much thinking I just wanted to get it over with quicker and that I could do it. I experienced really bad withdrawals last night. I couldn't sleep no matter what I took! I immediately got up out of bed after much tossing and turning around 5:00 am and took 2 50 mg tabs (which is what I should've done yesterday instead of taking 1 50 mg tab). I feel better but stupid! I have been calling hot lines left and right trying to talk to someone cause I can't tell my husband :( Most o them think I can't do it on my own or that it's too dangerous. I even started searching for a Suboxone clinic near me and am tempted to go that route. The thing is I've been on vacation but have to go back tomorrow. I can't go through the withdrawals while working! I'm off all summer long so I'm thinking about just waiting until then to taper so if I get sick I'll be at home.
I guess I'll just try the tapering schedule again, the right way this time! And if I feel sick or that it's interfering with work I'll just stay on this nasty drug until summer. Either way I'm getting off! I don't want to have anything to do with it anymore! And I'm not worried about a relapse later cause I've learned a BIG lesson! Any words of encouragement would be appreciated :)
LA
LaurieShay
8 Jan 2014
Slow and steady wins the race. Trying to reduce too quickly will lead to withdrawals. I don't think Suboxone is the answer in your case. You'll just have to taper from it in the future or experience even worse withdrawals. Try the slower taper and let me know how it goes.
DR
Dr1406
7 Nov 2014
I took 500 mg daily for one week exactly one week, when I stopped I had the worst withdrawal is it possible to wd after one week if so, should I taper it off.
LA
LaurieShay
8 Nov 2014
Yes, taper if you are feeling the effects of withdrawal and don't wish to.
DR
Dr1406
14 Nov 2014
Thanks!
VI
Violet1002
22 Feb 2015
I have been trying this too and have been terrified of the withdrawal stories! Today is my first day and I am going to try this exact schedule although I think I have been taking more like 10 50 mg tablets a day!
LA
LaurieShay
23 Feb 2015
It will take time, but if you really want off the tramadol, a taper is the way to go.
LK
Lkelly32
25 Aug 2016
Hi there, I know this is an old thread but I've been following your answers on a couple of different threads. I'm in the process of tapering off tramsdol and I guess I need some positive reinforcement. I was taking 400mg daily for about two years and have gotten myself down to 200mg per day this week. I plan on dropping 50mg per week and then ending with 25mg per day the last week. I'm doing this on my own, I really don't want to tell anyone, so I thought this might be a good place to come for support. Any advice and positive pick me up stuff is totally welcome.
LA
LaurieShay
25 Aug 2016
I understand not wanting to be alone when you are facing the unknown. If you can taper, you'll be through this in no time and won't have to suffer too much. Hang in there. Believe in yourself and continue to reach out for help. I'm not around as much as I use to be, but still here to listen and help anyway I can.
LK
Lkelly32
26 Aug 2016
Thank you so much Laurie for your positive encouragement! Do you think this is a doable schedule? 8/22 - 200mg per day
8/29 - 150 per day
9/5 - 100 per day
9/12 - 50 per day
9/19 - 25 per day
LA
LaurieShay
26 Aug 2016
Looks reasonable to me, but just based on experience. I'm no doc. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms, you might want to stay on the 25mgs daily for a little longer or split the 25's in half for a week or so. Don't suspect you'll need to do so though.
VE
vent8650
1 June 2017
Deyermined89 sounds exactly like my situation, but I am taking 100mg in a.m. and 100 in p.m., been on it for about 2.5 years, had 3 surgeries in one year. All my pain is mostly gone so now I need a schedule to get off this stuff, help please!!!
KA
Katjam38
21 June 2020
Hi laurie could u add me as a friend I need to pm u about tapering off please thank u
