866-797-7962Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
Medically Verified: 2/1/24
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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Tramadol is an opioid medication that is often prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain.[1] It is often used instead of more potent opioids like oxycodone or morphine. While tramadol is a lesser opioid, it is still habit-forming and addictive.
Because tramadol is habit-forming, taking the medication long-term or using it in a manner other than prescribed can lead to addiction. If you become addicted to tramadol, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal upon stopping the medication. As a result, you should never attempt to detox from tramadol at home.
The best way to overcome a tramadol addiction is to attend medical detox. While the tramadol withdrawal timeline and symptoms can vary from one person to the next, medical professionals at a detox center can ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process.
What are the Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Suddenly stopping tramadol once you are addicted will result in withdrawal symptoms. While tramadol withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, the symptoms can be painful and difficult to cope with. Without medical detox, these symptoms could lead to a relapse.
The symptoms of tramadol withdrawal include:[2]
- Agitation and anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Teary eyes and runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent yawning
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Nausea and vomiting
It is also possible for individuals to experience psychosis during tramadol withdrawal. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “tramadol can also have atypical withdrawals in the form of anxiety, paranoia, depersonalization, derealization, and auditory hallucinations.”[3]
Because you can experience severe symptoms like psychosis, you should always seek help from a medical detox program rather than trying to quit alone.
How Long Does Tramadol Withdrawal Last?
Tramadol withdrawal will begin once the substance leaves your body. Regular tramadol tablets last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, while extended-release formulas can last up to 24 hours.[4] With that being said, withdrawal symptoms can begin to arise somewhere between 8 to 24 hours after you last took the substance.
The tramadol withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person, however, most individuals experience the following:
24 Hours
Within 24 hours you will begin to experience the initial symptoms of tramadol withdrawal. Typically, these symptoms are mild and include anxiety, muscle aches, and restlessness. The exact amount of time it takes for you to experience the initial symptoms will vary depending on your overall health, genetics, and the amount of tramadol you were taking.
24 to 72 Hours
Between 24 to 72 hours after your last dose of tramadol your withdrawal symptoms will increase in severity. These symptoms may include anxiety, aches and pains, watery eyes, sweating, and insomnia. You must receive professional treatment for withdrawal during this time.
Days 4 to 7
Between days 4 and 7, your withdrawal symptoms will peak. This means they will be at their most intense. Symptoms may include stomach pains, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
During this period of withdrawal, you are at a high risk of experiencing dehydration. A detox center can administer IV fluids if need be.
Days 8 to 14
Between days 8 to 14, your symptoms will begin to subside. Once you reach the 2-week mark, your physical symptoms may be completely gone. It is common for mental health symptoms like anxiety and insomnia to persist a bit longer.
Thankfully, drug detox centers can prescribe medications like antidepressants to control any lasting symptoms of anxiety or insomnia.
How is Tramadol Withdrawal Treated?
Tramadol withdrawal is best treated under medical supervision. During detox, you will have access to 24/7 monitoring from medical professionals. Additionally, nurses and doctors will help you manage your withdrawal symptoms using medications.
The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of opioid withdrawal. For example, buprenorphine, methadone, or lofexidine are often used to control the symptoms of tramadol withdrawal.[5] These medications target the opioid receptors in your brain to lessen symptoms of withdrawal and prevent cravings.
When these medications are used, doctors will slowly reduce the dose over time until you no longer need them. This ensures that you do not experience severe withdrawal symptoms and do not remain on medication longer than you need to.
After your body has fully detoxed off of tramadol, you will have the option to transition into inpatient or outpatient treatment based on your personal needs.
Find Help for Tramadol Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from tramadol addiction, it’s time to consider professional help. When you are addicted to tramadol, medical detox is necessary to help you safely and comfortably overcome withdrawal symptoms.
At Carolina Center for Recovery, we can provide you with the medications and treatments you need to overcome tramadol withdrawal. To learn more about our drug and alcohol detox programs, contact us today.
References:
- Medline Plus: Tramadol, Retrieved September 2023 From https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695011.html
- Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal, Retrieved September 2023 From https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Tramadol withdrawal psychosis, Retrieved September 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6862981/
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Tramadol Label, Retrieved September 2023 From https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022370s000lbl.pdf
- Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics: Opioid withdrawal symptoms, a consequence of chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder: Current understanding and approaches to management, Retrieved September 2023 From https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpt.13114