How long does tramadol withdrawal last?

Tramadol withdrawal can take up to several days before acute withdrawal symptoms dissipate.
But symptoms of tramadol withdrawal can last up to several months after you last take tramadol. More on how long tramadol withdrawal lasts and what you can expect here.

3
minute read

A few days to several months.

Thinking about stopping tramadol?

Tramadol is analgesic (pain killer) that is part of the opiate family prescribed for moderate/moderately severe pain or to help heroin addicts with withdrawal. However, pain killing medications like tramadol can trigger physical dependence on tramadol.  In fact, tramadol tolerance symptoms may occur within a few weeks of regular dose.

Withdrawal from tramadol is likely to occur in anyone who gradually comes off tramadol as well as those who suddenly decide to stop taking tramadol. So when you’ve decided to stop taking tramadol  – what can you expect?  For example, tramadol symptoms how long?

In general, tramadol withdrawal occurs within a few hours after tramadol effects wear off. And the length of time until withdrawal stops can vary from weeks to months later. More here on how long tramadol withdrawal lasts, with a section for your questions about tramadol at the end.

How long until tramadol withdrawal starts?

Once you have decided to stop taking tramadol, withdrawal symptoms can start as early as a few hours after the effect of tramadol has worn off. In fact, people who forget to take their tramadol have reported feeling nervous, anxious, feeling of pins and needles, sweating, and palpitations only a few hours after their next dose. The most common symptoms of withdrawal from tramadol include:

  • craving tramadol
  • flu-like symptoms
  • insomnia
  • muscle cramps
  • seating
  • serotonin syndrome
  • restlessness

How long do tramadol withdrawal symptoms last?

Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal can last anywhere between a few days to several months after you last take the medication. The harsher, acute effects of withdrawal should resolve within after about a month. However, emotions of irritability, cravings, and depression are still something that you may have to deal with for a while after the tramadol is out of your system. Drug craving for tramadol is another difficult long lasting symptom to deal with.

Tramadol withdrawal timeline

Tramadol affects people differently. However, people with opiate addiction or higher dependency will have a harsher time coming off of tramadol. Symptoms of withdrawing from tramadol happen in two categories:

1. Nervousness, anxiety, nausea, and diarrhea

2. Hallucinations, paranoia, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, confusion and numbness

Serotonin syndrome is another potential withdrawal symptom and can be quite dangerous so it is important that you have someone monitor your withdrawal. Serotonin syndrome can occur in some who are withdrawing from tramadol, If you are using other substances or medications, serotonin syndrome is a serious issue which can increase your blood pressure, induce hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion. If it has gotten to this point, hospitalization is recommended so that you can be monitored over a 24hr period and given the appropriate remedies.

Following is a general tramadol withdrawal timeline outlining common symptoms for the days to weeks after you stop taking tramadol.

24-72 hours tramadol withdrawal – General onset of symptoms can manifest shortly after the drug has worn off and linger for up to a few months after the medication is totally out of the system. Nervousness, anxiety, feeling of pins and needles, sweating, palpitations and the unease are the first signs of withdrawal. Drug craving is another symptom of withdrawal.

Week 1 tramadol withdrawal – In the first week after stopping Tramadol, symptoms of withdrawal tend to even out with an apparent return to “normalcy”, although drug craving occurs and insomnia is common. During this phase of withdrawal, symptoms can include disorientation, blurred vision, and dilated pupils.

Week 2 tramadol withdrawal – After the first couple of weeks of stopping Tramadol, characteristic symptoms of opiate withdrawal may still be present including Serotonin syndrome, depression, irrational feelings, anxiety.

Weeks 3-4 tramadol withdrawal – During this phase of withdrawal, apathy, irritability, and depression may still be present. Additionally, long periods or disturbances in sleep are still reported.

Tramadol withdrawal: how long?

Tramadol affects each person differently depending on the dosage and how long you have been taking tramadol. In other words, each withdrawal period is unique to the person taking tramadol. Various health concerns need to be taken into consideration. In general, however, if you’re taking tramadol you need to be careful of its physical dependency.

How long Tramadol withdrawal questions

If you have any more questions regarding withdrawal from tramadol please ask. We do our best to respond to your questions personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: Drug Enforcement Administration: Tramadol
American Journal of Psychiatry: Withdrawal Syndrome After Delayed Tramadol Intake
Toxicology Data Network: Tramadol
PubMed Health: Tramadol
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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