When Does a Lot Become Too Much?

After being involved in a motorcycle accident that left me with severe neck pain was when I first took Tramadol. Since I had previously abused various opioid analgesics including those based on hydrocodone and acetaminophen, it was suggested that I give this specific drug a try. Due to having a low potential for being addictive, my doctor suggested Tramadol to me due to my past substance abuse problems. He suggested I request refills when need be but to not consider ingesting other medications concurrently.

The dose was minimal to start — 50 mg per day — which had virtually no effect on the excruciating pain I was experiencing. Gradually I increased the number of pills that I was taking, upping the dosage to 350 or even 400 mg each day. The pain had vanished, no question, but the drug’s effect seemed to disappear rapidly. I required more as I understood the body had become accustomed to the ingestion of Tramadol; to be able to receive equivalent pain-killing effects I needed to increase the dose yet again. What occurred? This is something that you do not want to know.

I was not taken aback by the initial effects Tramadol had on me as I had taken opioids previously. It relieved me of the pain, leaving behind a peaceful feeling, virtually euphoric, and I truly thought it was effective. I neglected to think that it could be addictive and that I would have to revert to withdrawal syndrome at a time sooner or later. Tramadol did not bring on feelings of tiredness of dizziness unlike other medications I had taken — it made me alert and on the ball, I felt like I was up for anything and the times that I felt worse were when the drug was beginning to wear off. There was no issue, as I could always ingest another pill and begin to feel good right away.

In only 5 months I had increased the dose of Tramadol from 50 mg each day to an unbelievable 500 mg per day. Side effects made themselves known mostly through symptoms such as nervousness with anxiety and hyper-alertness. Feelings of past substance abuse were brought on by tremors, palpitations, sweating and hallucinations. That’s when it happened. It was close to midnight and I found it impossible to get back to sleep. Nausea, restlessness and anxiousness were feelings I started to have. I realized what the symptoms were, even if they had never been so intense, but I hoped they would improve. Alas, they did not, and as I recalled the possibility of deadly effects of Tramadol overdoses, I freaked out and contacted 911. Luckily for me they arrived fast, and before I realized it, I was in the hospital.

Life after Tramadol — how can it be described? Well, as Tramadol formally rid me of the pain as well as all depressive emotions, for a time it was fairly difficult. I resumed ingesting Tramadol in minimal amounts but did not stop the suggested minimal dosage. Feeling panicky, anxious and entirely addicted was not what I wanted to revert to. Regaining control of my life and feeling better again was the one thing that I desired. I succeeded, with the help of specialists at the drug rehab center. There were a few challenging weeks, but luckily I found the inner strength to get past the difficult days.

For this experience I have to say that I am grateful. I have learned many things, including how vital it is to maintain my composure. It might have been okay to take Tramadol for my condition if I had stuck to the recommended dose. I must admit, this was my third overdose, and I was pretty scared. I was fortunate and hopefully learned a vital lesson. How about the next time is the question. Is this even a possibility? Will I survive another overdose? Hope is all that I can do.

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