I've been through Hell with Tramadol. I made up my mind to get help and a Dr. Is helping me taper down. I am now down to 135 mg a day. Of course this is a great accomplishment from where I was 2 years ago. However I have fallen into a depression that is very serious. I have read that this gloom cloud is a part of Tramadol withdrawal and will pass. I guess what I'm needing is a bit of reassurance that someone has been able to get themselves back to feeling good about life again. I tapered way too fast at first and the depression landed right away. I've slowed down the tapering so that I won't fall off the deep end. I now understand what real depression is and I will never judge people who suffer with this again. (Not that I really did before but you don't really understand until you experience it) I was told by someone that my ability to create endorphins has been compromised by using an opiate for so long that my body has to begin to supply those natural chemicals for itself. Is it possible that this ability will never return? I think the worst part is thinking that this feeling will never change. I take no pleasure in any of the things I used to enjoy in life. This is a very scary place. My understanding is that anti-depressants affect serotonin and dopamine. These brain chemicals are not the same as the endorphins. I know Tramadol is a complicated drug which is a synthetic opiate AND acts as an anti-depressant as well. My main concern is for the depression; Can a person who has used this drug ever come back from this horrible dark place?
2014-12-04 05:45:57
You are very well informed. When you take opiates for a long time like you have your body's physiology has been altered. Your central nervous system has created a multitude of opioid receptors that all are screaming for endorphins (opiates) to fill them but your body has now forgotten how to make them by itself. It will takes weeks for your receptors to down-regulate (for the brain begin to heal) and to start making its own endorphins. Brain heals pretty slowly so it may take months to get rid of feelings of sluggishness restlessness and depression. The best thing you can do is take good care of yourself eat healthy food stay hydrated keep active and busy. Stay away from sugar soda and simple carbs. Do not consume caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime.The reason for this longer depression and insomnia symptoms is because Tramadol besides affecting the opioid receptors has an effect on the serotonin receptors in the central nervous system. That means you may also need an SSRI antidepressant to deal with some depression that may develop as the result of your withdrawal. But it does get better and better every day if you stick with it so please don’t give up. I encourage you to look at my blog on Tramadol misuse for more info by clicking on my name and than "blogs" and please make sure you read the readers' comments to the blog. They are fascinating. You may also be interested in taking a look at my clinic’s website www.mdsdrugdetox.com since we often detox patients with Tramadol addictions. Once you get through this residual depression the only thing you should keep in mind is as people start to feel really good after a few months out; they forget how bad the withdrawal really was and think they can start using again. Just once or twice.... and they get caught up yet again. Please try to remember how bad it is right now and stay far away from all drugs in the future. It is just not worth it. Good luck to you and stay well
2014-12-04 05:46:37
