How Much is Too Much?

Sarah Kettleson - July 10th, 2008

I took Tramadol for the first time after I was involved in a motorcycle accident that left me with intense pain in the neck region. The reason why I was recommended this particular drug was because I had already abused other types of opioid analgesics, including those based on hydrocodone and acetaminophen. My history of substance abuse led the doctor to believe Tramadol to be the safe choice, having a lower potential for becoming addictive. He advised me to ask for refills whenever I needed them and don’t even think about taking other meds at the same time.

Initially the dose was as low as possible, 50 mg/day and it almost had no effect on the intense pain I was feeling. Slowly I increased the number of pills that I was taking, thus increasing the dosage up to 350, sometimes 400 mg/day. The pain had gone away, without doubt but the effect of the drug seemed to disappear quickly. I needed more as I realized that the body had gotten used to the intake of Tramadol; in order to obtain the same pain-killing effects I had to raise the dose once again. What happened? You don’t want to know!

Having taken opioids before, I was not surprised of the first effects Tramadol had on me. It took away the pain, leaving a state of well-being, almost close to euphoria and I really believed it to be effective. I failed to take into consideration that it might be habit-forming and that I will have to go back to withdrawal syndrome at some point in the near future. Unlike the other drugs I had taken, Tramadol did not make me feel sleepy or tired; on the contrary, it keep me alert and consistent, I feel like I could do anything and the only moments when I felt bad were when the drug started to lose its effect. There was no problem as I could always take one more pill and start feeling good again.

In just 5 months, I had increased the dosage of Tramadol from 50 mg/day to an incredible 500 mg/day. Side effects had started to appear of course, usually manifested through nervousness and other similar symptoms, with anxiety and hyper alertness. Tremors, palpitations, sweating and hallucinations accompanied the constellation of symptoms, all making me to go back to old feelings regarding substance abuse. Then it happened. It was almost midnight and I just could not go back to sleep. I started feeling anxious, restless and nauseous. I recognized the symptoms but they were never so intense but I hoped that they will slowly regress. Well, they did not and as I remembered the potential lethal effects of Tramadol overdoses I panicked and called 911. Fortunately for me, they came really quick and before I knew it I was admitted in the hospital.

How could I describe life after Tramadol? Well, as Tramadol used to take away the pain but also any depressive feelings, for a while it was quite hard. I continued to take Tramadol on very small doses but never stepped the minimum dosage recommended. I never wanted to go back to feeling anxious, panicky and completely addicted. The one thing I wanted was to regain control of my life and start feeling better again. And thanks to the specialists at the drug rehabilitation clinic I succeeded. There were some tough weeks but fortunately I found the power to get over the bad days.

I actually have to say that I am grateful for this experience. It has taught me many things including how important it is to keep your feelings under control. Tramadol might have worked just fine for my condition that is if I respected the recommend dosage. It was the third time I experienced overdose symptoms and I have to say that I was pretty scared. I was lucky and hopefully I learned an important lesson. The question is: how about the next time? Will there be such a possibility? Will I be able to get over another overdose? I can only hope.

 

 

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