Still at risk for seizure?

[JoeySt]

I am a 32 year old basically healthy female. Had to have a herniated disc in my neck removed in May 2012 after 3 years of increasing pain. I thought I was doing ok after the surgery, but soon realized that I was getting out of control on the lortabs, and weaned myself off. My dr then put me on Tramadol, 50mg 3 xday, supposedly cause it was "not very habit forming". Riiight. Very soon I was taking 15-17 a day, still thought I had everything under control. Then came the day I had a seizure standing in my own kitchen. My 10 yr old son checked my breathing and my pulse, then called 911. (My husband wasn't home at the time). They took me to the ER due to the fact I was confused and not sure where I was. Obviously, it was the wake up call I needed. I am so ashamed that my sons (his brothers are 5 and 2, and were also there when I had the seizure) had to witness that, mostly because I know I did it to myself. Here is my question: I am Day 4 of being completely off the Tramadol- after having quit cold turkey after having the seizure. I know cold turkey is NOT the safe way to do it, but I was terrified of taking another tramadol and having another seizure. I was VERY lucky this time, just a few bruises and bit my tongue a little, nothing major though. Question is: am I still at risk for having a seizure even though I am completely off the Tramadol???? Also, I did come completely clean to my husband, who is being a great support throughout all this, and I am about to come clean to my PCP in just about an hour....any and all help is much appreciated!

[nursegirl6572]

lis3d...Please see your thread.  Your two situations are probably very different.  Tramadol, at high doses will cause seizures.  So will other meds upon w/d (benzos, etc).  Opiate w/d alone typically does not cause seizures.  I sure hope you were checked out medically.  You may have an underlying condition.

This situation is very different from yours.

[lis3d]

I have also had a seizure this past summer because I had run out of oxycodone for 2 days. I was walking and without warning just fell to the floor and started convulsing. The ppl I was around kept calling my name to wake me up but as I was coming back I passed out a second time and convulsed again. I have three teenage children and they were all there witnessing this. I'm now scared that when I do finally get my strenghth up to stop using oxycodone forever that this may happen again. I don't know how common this but It certainly concerns me.

[vicki595]

I'm sure you're very relieved now! It takes a huge burden away when you reach out and talk about this.

The addictionologist is a great idea!   Good luck!

[HumbledXtian]

JoeySt,

From a fellow tramadol addict, congratulations on coming clean with your doc and hubby. Those are huge steps!

The addiction specialist sounds like the perfect next step. I know that an addiction specialist has been crucial in my on-going recovery.

Good luck. Tramadol is a great drug for some people in some situations. but for some of us it's been a monstrous trap. I'm glad you're getting free of its clutches.

[JoeySt]

I want to say thank you to all of you for your support, and I am happy to say that I did come clean to my primary dr this afternoon, and while she still wants me to have an EEG this week to make sure, she said my risk should be completely gone now that I am off the Tramadol! I am going to follow up completely with her advice and also start seeing a health care professional that specializes in addiction, so that I don't find myself in a similar situation down the road. I just want to stress to anyone taking Tramadol, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be very careful with your dosage!! It is very addictive-though personally coming off lortabs and vicodin was way worse for me as far as WD goes- don't let it be having a seizure in front of your children to be your wake up call!!

[vicki595]

Hi-
Definitely talk with your doctor about this.  I think you'll be okay though; it's been four days. It's much more gentle to taper off the Tramadol but the seizure risk seems to be with the high doses taken in and not the withdrawal.
We all react differently, though...do you take any other meds?

[proudworkingmomof3]

Hi! I don't have medical advice to give you but as a mother of 3 I can only imagine what this experience must have done to you. Reading your post really made me tear up. I wish you all the best. Hugs!

[Free2agoodhome]

Hi...

A question for a Dr for sure,,,,,,,,,going from 3 to 17 is a big leap....
I don't have experience with that but I have tried it before....

stick around there are folks here with Tram that could share hopefully,,,
let us know what dr said...