Unlike opioids such as hydrocodone and oxycodone that in large doses create the typical feeling of being ‘high’, tramadol blocks neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the system. Because of this very reason, withdrawal symptoms can be different than withdrawal from other drugs.

Getting off tramadol can be manifested either as traditional opioid withdrawal syndrome or atypical opioid withdrawal syndrome.

During the early stages of withdrawing from tramadol, a person may experience the following symptoms: anxiety, muscle and body aches, insomnia, tearing up, yawning, sweating, runny nose, aggression, restlessness, hypertension, racing heart rate and fast breathing.

Tramadol withdrawal

During the later stages of withdrawing from tramadol, a person may experience the following symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and cramping, chills and goosebumps, pupil dilation, loss of appetite, difficulties with thinking clearly and concentrating, depression, depersonalization, irritability and strong drug cravings.

Tramadol withdrawal symptoms usually start about 12 hours after the last dose. Whilst the majority of people go through the expected timeline of withdrawal steps, there are about 10% of patients that experience symptoms such as panic attacks, anxiety, confusion, extreme paranoia, hallucinations and numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.

The tramadol withdrawal symptoms usually have their peak after a couple of days, but psychological struggles may stay with a person a while longer.