I know it probably varies from person to person but what's a good guideline of taking tramadol to avoid physical dependence? My doc wants me on it around the clock for my back(4 degenerative disks and lumbar stenosis). I was on it around the clock before but stopped taking it after 2 months and had nasty stomach issues for a week straight. Tramadol works but I don't want my body to rely on it so any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
How quickly does physical dependence start w/tramadol?
Question posted by bullboxer on 16 April 2012
Last updated on 23 August 2018
8 Answers
Punkrrr
20 Dec 2014
When I have some Tramadol, I take a pill every other day. Not hard to manage if you have the willpower. Once you start taking it everyday, you'll become dependent.
Delila
2 June 2013
Hi, forgive me for my late reply, i have only just come across your question. I have briefly read all of the responses, sorry if i repeat something already said... I became dependent/addicted(?) some years ago. I believe personally that i became having problems within 1 (to 2?) months of starting Tramadol. This is the stage at which i noticed when my next dose was due, and would start getting withdrawal effects when i was late taking it. Some people can take Tramadol very well with no problems, however, i also know a lot of people that have/have had problems with it. Such as myself. If using Tramadol for chronic pain (as you are) you need to take your daily doses as prescribed, don't skip doses, as it won't work properly for your pain. For example, if you are prescribed 400mg a day at 4 set intervals, you must continue to do this to treat your pain effectively. It isn't such a great pain medication to be taken as & when.
If you decide/have decided, to go with Tramadol, just be careful, and when you or your doctor decides to discontinue it, make sure you have a GOOD tapering plan in place before you even attempt it. Talk to members here for help & advice.
mhelcl
2 June 2013
It is somewhat different for every individual but in general, it depends on how much and how frequently you take it. It also depends on your history with this drug. With opiate like drugs, it takes your body about 3 days to start adjusting to any new dose, this is true for going up or down. I would say that if you take a lot of it, you can see some level of dependence even as quick as 3 days but it would probably not be severe, however it would be detectable. The more and the longer you take it, the more physically dependent you will become. Psychological dependence is entirely different story and can vary dramatically between individuals ranging from people becoming dependent just after one dose (relapse cases) and on the other side of the spectrum you can have people that take it for years and never become psychologically dependent.
stickdog
1 June 2013
My general practitioner has left the country again without letting patients know, etc. HE is in Paris while I am suffering severe, chronic pain. I know he no longer finds medicine interesting. You can never locate him, the office never returns calls, etc. I am waiting to get in to a pain management doc, but cannot even schedule an appt until BAD doc's office steps it up and faxes my records to the pain group. Aaaarrrrggghhh! The GP considers my 3 herniated/bulging discs (many prior neck surgeries) painful enough to have me on three oxycodone 10/325 per day. I have been on narcs for over three years... all prescribed by the bad doc. SO, he traipses off to Europe for three weeks and leaves everything in the hands of a PA. Bad doc does not even have a partner! This PA informs he can only write for 30 percocets for me this month. After ten days he will phone in Tramadol for me.
I really cannot understand HOW a medical professional can leave chronic pain patients (many are elderly!) hanging & twisting in the wind like this! I am outraged!
My question about Tramadol is: Will I get anywhere NEAR the same pain relief from it as I did from the percocet? I don't care about the "euphoria" and stuff... just do not let me suffer! I am terrified that my pain will come back and breakthrough with a vengeance! I cannot believe I am being treated this way.
Inactive
16 April 2012
Physical dependence is a much easier issue to deal with than mental dependence IMO. I was on Tramadol for years and recently weaned off it to try something else. For me I couldn't even go an hour past my dose time or I start feeling the horrible withdrawal. I'd say about 2-3 weeks would be max before your body is dependent. Tramadol is more for someone needing long term constant pain relief so maybe it's not the right med for you? I've never heard of taking it every other day or if that's safe? If you're worried about physical dependency have your doctor explain it to you, it's not as scary as it may sound if you don't have addiction issues.
kaismama
16 April 2012
I think people confuse addiction and physical dependence, including lots of docs, lol... they aren't the same. There are many drugs we can become dependent on. That does not mean we are addicted and we can manage it, if we aren't psycologically addicted.
Inactive
17 April 2012
Your right kaismom, but tramadol is very addictice & has snri qualities to it. A lot of docs don't even know this because they drug reps have touted iot to them as a non-opiate. It is non-opiate, but it becomes narcotic like when it mixes with your bodys chemicals.That's is how they get around writing it as a non opiate prescription because it isn't until you take it... Mary
kaismama
17 April 2012
Yes I know Mary, but there is still a difference between dependence and addiction. Addiction is a pathological condition that screws up your life. Dependence is the normal consequence of a med, when it is taken as ordered.
Inactive
17 April 2012
Oh, don't I know it! I don't have an addictive bone in my body, but am on 15mg of oxycodone for my chrontic pain. I hope not to ever have it increased. It's the only thing that has given me back my half normal life now. but I do know the difference between addiction, & tolerance. Thanks... Mary
subzero58
16 April 2012
hi bulliboxer,for some people its much faster than others. my doctor once told me never to stay on a drug more than 21 days.If you do tappering off is best.
kaismama
16 April 2012
physical dependence is a fact of life. The best thing is to taper off of it, not stop it suddenly. I have been taking it for 10 yrs and have had to go without it for a few days once in while because my shipment hadn't arrived and other then my leg pain getting worse, I did ok, but I tapered down when it looked like the next refill would be a little late.
balbanese
16 April 2012
I would say every other day and not more than 150mg a day. Have you asked about Neurontin for the Stenosis? I have it too, that med works well for some.
suelvnv
1 Aug 2017
Tramadol is neurontin. Neurontin is the generic name.
magicpowers
3 Aug 2017
tramadol IS NOT Neurotin. gabapentin is generic neurotin. i take tramadol & gaba & they are quite different. neurotin is for nerve pain (among a few other things) & not an opioid. tramadol is a weak opioid.
Ladykarluk
26 March 2018
Where did you get that Tramadol is Neurontin? It is not! The generic of Neurontin is Gabapentin.
Mansikka75
25 May 2018
Neurontin has its bad withdrawal as well if not way worse if taken in high doses over time. Be careful!! I read where it's like coming off benzos. I know that's bad as I was taken off my klonopin abruptly by a doctor no doubt and my entire year was wasted. It was horrible! Good luck
Dillon123
21 July 2018
To the person that said “neurotonin is another name for tramadol” This may be the most diverting, dangerous piece of advice I have ever heard. And you should be blocked from posting on this website.
Maggie8
23 Aug 2018
Sue, neurontin is not another name for Tramadol. It is the generic for. Ultram, con zip aND others
Maggie8
23 Aug 2018
Sue, neurontin is not another name for Tramadol. It is the generic for. Ultram, con zip aND others
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Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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