Withdrawal symptoms can be some of the largest hurdles standing between you and your goals. Knowing what to expect might make overcoming these hurdles feel less daunting. So could knowing when to expect it to begin and subside. Here, we’ll answer questions like, “How long does tramadol withdrawal last?”
We’ll provide information about what you might experience while withdrawing from tramadol. We’ll also let you know how you can cope and how a medical professional might help you. Groups can provide outpatient care to ease withdrawal symptoms and help you reach treatment goals.
Find out more about withdrawing from tramadol
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. However, many people who discontinue tramadol might experience similar symptoms at different points in recovery. Your own journey might look like the following:
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First days
After you take your last dose of immediate-release tramadol, you may begin to notice withdrawal symptoms within eight to 12 hours, lasting 5-7 days. If you discontinue extended-release tramadol, withdrawal symptoms may appear slightly later, within 12 to 24 hours, and can last up to 10 days.
Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Cramping muscles
- Running nose or eyes
Fortunately, some of these symptoms can be managed in outpatient care. For example, nausea and vomiting may be treated with over-the-counter medication or prescription medication like Zofran.
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First week
If you were taking immediate-release tramadol, you may find that your withdrawal symptoms peak and begin to fade within four to 10 days. After quitting extended-release tramadol, symptoms may peak and subside within 7-10 days, though some sleep or mood changes may linger.
Your first week may not be easy, but you may have already put the worst of it behind you in the first few days. If you are taking medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), it may have eased some of your withdrawal symptoms.
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First month
As you manage physical withdrawal symptoms, you may find that their frequency and severity begin to ebb away. You might experience emotional changes, facing what opioid use disorder may have obscured before. You can learn emotional regulation methods.
With MOUD, you may be finding stability with your medication. You might be able to participate more fully in other facets of treatment, like group counseling and care planning with Groups. You can learn more about what we offer to support recovery in this article.
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Early months of recovery
Your physical withdrawal symptoms have likely ended altogether. You may still face some emotional challenges, as well as cravings or thoughts of return to use. However, you have already made significant progress. Give yourself the credit you deserve.
Try to allow these thoughts and feelings about opioid use to come and go without acting on them. You can find a list of 22 healthier distractions here. If you’re working with Groups, discuss what you’re going through with your care provider. Share your experiences in group counseling.
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Building on the foundation of early recovery
The most challenging parts of early recovery may be behind you now. You have begun building a foundation for long-lasting recovery. You are moving into the later stages of recovery: action and maintenance.
In the action phase, you might:
- Develop a repertoire of coping skills
- Create a support system of friends and family
- Connect with a support system of people in recovery
- Choose short-term goals to prepare for your future
In maintenance, you may:
- Continue building skills for sustainable recovery
- Engage in mutual support with your support system
- Accomplish or adjust short-term goals
- Begin to establish long-term goals
- Celebrate your achievements in recovery
Participating in treatment can help you continue making progress. Plus, if you find any new hurdles to overcome, a professional will be there to help you.
Still thinking it over?
That’s OK. This may all be a lot to face at once, but you don’t have to. You can take it day by day or moment by moment. You have already made progress by considering the possibility of treatment and recovery. To move forward, connect with us at Groups to learn more about options.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
