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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Tramadol And Hydrocodone

hello im taking tramadol for arthritis and my prn started me on them but when I don t have them I feel tired .but I use to be addicted to hydrocodone and when I don t have tramadol the samewithdrawls come back . I don t know what to do.i did tell my prn this about me use to take hydrocodine
Wed, 16 Jan 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid but it certainly causes dependency so it can not be stopped cold turkey.

Tramadol is a weak opioid but it has been used extensively as a pain killer as well as an antidepressant.

It also can not be stopped suddenly. Slow, methodical tapering is the key for both hydrocodone and tramadol.

If hydrocodone has been used for a shorter period then the dose should be reduced 25 per cent every other day and if it has been used for a longer period then 10 per cent reduction in dose is reduced every week.

For tramadol, for shorter duration course, the dose should be reduced 10 per cent per day and for a longer duration course, the dose should be reduced 10 per cent per week.

Now having said that, it is always better to consult a physician before tapering.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Prabhash Verma, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Tramadol And Hydrocodone

Hello, Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid but it certainly causes dependency so it can not be stopped cold turkey. Tramadol is a weak opioid but it has been used extensively as a pain killer as well as an antidepressant. It also can not be stopped suddenly. Slow, methodical tapering is the key for both hydrocodone and tramadol. If hydrocodone has been used for a shorter period then the dose should be reduced 25 per cent every other day and if it has been used for a longer period then 10 per cent reduction in dose is reduced every week. For tramadol, for shorter duration course, the dose should be reduced 10 per cent per day and for a longer duration course, the dose should be reduced 10 per cent per week. Now having said that, it is always better to consult a physician before tapering. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Prabhash Verma, General & Family Physician