Opioids - why shouldn't fibromites use them?

I don't mind at all. I don't feel like I have anything to be ashamed of for feeling dependent on tramadol. It just kinda, happened.

I'd say for about a year, year and a half I actually felt like a relatively 'normal' person. I was functioning way way better than I do now and the last couple of years. After about a year and a half I was also prescribed pregabalin and I think that too helped for about a year.

I was reducing my tramadol down because I wasn't sure it was working anymore. I managed to reduce down to my dosage now (100mg twice a day) but when I got any lower than that I went into pretty severe withdrawal. I hadn't realised my bodies dependency until this time because I hadn't known any different having not tried to reduce it prior to this. I've never been told my medical people to reduce / come off tramadol and having mentioned that I couldn't seem to reduce any lower was just told to continue with this dosage. It has never been mentioned since.

The withdrawal is really hard to explain because nothing I can say will really put you in my shoes when experiencing it.

I get temperatures, hallucinations, hot and cold sweats, aches that don't die down all over my body. Deliriousness, excessive sweating, feelings of extreme upset.

This kicks in literally an hour or so after I've not had my normal dosage (even if I'm an hour late I begin to feel the effects). I'm very strict with times that I take my medication. Every 12 hours.

I do want to come off tramadol as like I say, I don't think I can get a real picture of my health without being painkiller free. I'm intending on discussing this with my GP and arranging a stay with my parents so I don't have to look after myself whilst I'm going through the withdrawal.

I've never taken or wanted to take, more than my dosage. This is 100% a physical and not mental addiction - which is probably why I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed. This thing happened to me, such is life!

/r/Fibromyalgia Thread Parent