Can Discontinuing Tramadol Cause Seizures?
 
                                    
                                    
                                          
                                               Posted on
                                          
                                            
                                         
                                           Thu, 22 Feb 2018
                                           
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                            Medically reviewed by
                                            
                                                  Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
                                            
                                        
                                        
                                            
                                                
                                                Thu, 22 Feb 2018
                                                
                                            
                                                Answered on
                                             
                                            
                                                
                                                Wed, 13 Dec 2023
                                                
                                                
                                                Last reviewed on
                                             
                                            Question : Hello.  I am needing advice About a recent change in medication.  I just spent 2 wks with severe withdrawal symptoms from weining off Sertralene 100mg which was treating major depression as well as a PTSD situation. In replace I am taking Lexapro 20mg which I take in the am. Iam also recently on Trazadone 75mg for sleeping, tramadol 50mg tab 1-2 tabs every 4 to 6 hrs to treat a chronic back pain issue.  I have been On this tramadol medication for no less then 3yrs.  My Dr decided yesterday to remove the tramadol and replace it with a NSAID called Ketoprophen.  Last night was horrible not taking the tramadol (part of my PTSD issue is from long term pain endurance) It is a tourturous situation the pain had caused and causes not only physically but emotionally as well.  I am extremely concerned about the sudden stop of this medication Tramadol.  The Dr reason to stop the Tramadol was concern for seizures but I just dont understand if the risk for seisures is so great that it would be unsafe to properly weine off the Tramadol first before putting me on this anti-inflamatory... pls help me understand better.  The Change in a new care provider came with a recent move of State as well, i am currently visiting family for the next 3 wks out of state so have had to consult through nurses over the phone.
Thank u so much for your time in hearing my concerns and helping me understand my options better.
Melissa
                            Thank u so much for your time in hearing my concerns and helping me understand my options better.
Melissa
                                    Brief Answer:
Report this experience to your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Let him know hw you felt without this drug. Recommend the withdrawal to him. Am sure he honestly wants to help but being so aggressive has taken things to the extremes.
Reducing the dose of tramadol and gradually bringing ketoprofen on board would be a better way to go.
You should equally be aware of the risk of stomach pain and bleeding as well as the damage it can cause to your kidneys. Hope the renal function tests are all normal as well.
I wish you well. Let me know how this plays out with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist
                                    
                            Report this experience to your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Let him know hw you felt without this drug. Recommend the withdrawal to him. Am sure he honestly wants to help but being so aggressive has taken things to the extremes.
Reducing the dose of tramadol and gradually bringing ketoprofen on board would be a better way to go.
You should equally be aware of the risk of stomach pain and bleeding as well as the damage it can cause to your kidneys. Hope the renal function tests are all normal as well.
I wish you well. Let me know how this plays out with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist
 Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
                              
                            
                                  
                                      Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
                                  
                              
                                         
 
                                    
                                    
                                Answered by
                                                    Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
                        
                                
                                