Tramadol Psychosis During Detox

Most opiate medications have dangerous side effects but most opiate detox, although unpleasant, is not dangerous. This is not true when it comes to tramadol. It is important to understand what tramadol psychosis is and what it does. You also have to know how to avoid it if you are considering stopping your tramadol use and if you are at risk.

What is Tramadol Induced Psychosis?

According to the National Library of Medicine, tramadol is a centrally acting opiate. It acts on more than just the opioid receptors in the brain. It also acts on the neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine. Although this is an excellent way to treat mild to moderate pain, it creates a problem when you attempt to stop using it.

When you go into detox from tramadol, there is a risk that you will go into a psychotic state. Doctors call this is called tramadol induced psychosis. When you stop using tramadol, suddenly there is a flood of neurotransmitters that create this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Tramadol Psychosis?

When you are suffering from a psychosis, you display certain symptoms. According to the journal of Addiction & Health, psychosis is one of tramadol’s atypical detox symptoms. The symptoms of tramadol induced psychosis are:

Tramadol psychosis causes hallucinations and paranoia.

• Delusions
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Severe insomnia
• Derealization
• Depersonalization
• Unnatural sensory perceptions
• Paranoia
• Confusion

All of these symptoms can occur or just a few of them. Researchers say that as many as 1 in 8 people who go into sudden tramadol detox can develop tramadol induced psychosis.

Who is at Risk?

Some people have a slightly higher risk of developing these symptoms. These are people who:

• Use more than 400mg of tramadol a day
• Use more opiates than just tramadol
• Are sleep deprived
• Are genetically predisposed to psychotic episodes
• Have an existing psychotic or no psychotic mental health issue
• Have had a previous psychotic episode
• Use tramadol for a long time, although it can happen sometimes with just a few doses

If you are in any of these risk groups it is important not to stop tramadol suddenly. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to minimize your risk if you are addicted or dependent on tramadol.

How to Avoid Tramadol Psychosis

You can avoid tramadol psychosis by finding a treatment program that will help you detox from tramadol safely. There are several treatment programs available. These treatment programs are:

• Medication assisted detox
• Medication maintenance
• Medication replacement
• Clonidine therapy
• Monitoring and behavioral therapy

All of these treatment programs are highly effective at treating tramadol detoxification when coupled with both individual and group counseling.

Where you can Find a Detox Center for Tramadol

Finding a treatment center for both the detox and addiction that is right for you is extremely important. We can help. All you have to do is call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) .

Sources

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2018). Tramadol.
2. Addiction & Health. (2009). Psychosis Following Tramadol Withdrawal.