I am currently working on reducing GP said I must reduce Tramadol one tablet a week and am now down to 1 in morning. Pregablin we reduced the dosage to 75 mg first of all then I dropped one tablet so that too is down to one. Although both have been reduced gradually he did not really suggest there would be too much problem with the Pregablin though he has basically been against me being on Tramadol.

Up to now the gradual reduction has worked well until I got down to two. Each drop since has caused me problems. Now each time I try the next stage I get a streaming cold, feverish and diarrhoea and on those days no sleep at all

Any thoughts - has anyone else had these problems.

Angela

Taken from the summary or product characteristics that manufacturers must legally produce for every product they market

After discontinuation of short-term and long-term treatment with pregabalin withdrawal symptoms have been observed in some patients. The following reactions have been mentioned: insomnia, headache, nausea, anxiety, diarrhoea, flu syndrome, convulsions, nervousness, depression, pain, hyperhidrosis and dizziness. The patient should be informed about this at the start of the treatment.

So it is (sadly) an effect of the withdrawal. Stick with the withdrawal as the symptoms WILL pass .

Thanks for that info. I guess because feeling much better op wise I have been trying to get off both drugs at the same time. Now realise I need to persevere to get over the Tramadol and try the Pregablin later.

It is really a matter of onwards and upwards I suppose. I cannot complain about the drugs as they have helped to make the last year more bearable, but deep down I now that such medication is dreadful and I pray I never need anything this strong again.

Angela

Thanks for that info. I guess because feeling much better op wise I have been trying to get off both drugs at the same time. Now realise I need to persevere to get over the Tramadol and try the Pregablin later.

It is really a matter of onwards and upwards I suppose. I cannot complain about the drugs as they have helped to make the last year more bearable, but deep down I now that such medication is dreadful and I pray I never need anything this strong again.

Angela

I had a similar conversation with a patient today at the hospice. Yes medication does have unwanted effects - but untreated pain ALSO has bad effects - and the chemicals that severe pain cause to circulate in your body can be much more harmful than drugs in the long term.