Anyone here a survivor of tramadol withdrawls?

I am currently taking Tramadol 200mg daily. Several months ago I decided to do a random experiment. I decided to stop taking Tramadol for a few days. After 12 hours I started to feel very uncomfortable. I was sweating and slightly nauseous. After 24 hours I felt like I was starting a full opiate withdrawal. Mind you the doctors say it is not addictive since its non-narcotic but it is a synthetic opiate or opioid so whats the real difference. Anyhow, after 30 hours I gave in and took one and everything was fine. The warm Tramadol blanket was placed back on me and I went back to normal. Your doctor should have put you on a low dose of Effexor which is Tramadols closest chemical cousin but Effexor does not tap any opiate receptors like Tramadol. I withdrew from Percocet and Vicodin in 1998-1999 and it was much easier then the effects of Tramadol. I have an easier time with Tramadol because I take it along with a benzodiazepine Klonopin. My mother and brother were both prescribed Tramadol for different reasons and they hated it. They got anxious and nauseous right away. I personally love it but maybe because I mix it with Klonopin per doctors orders but who knows. I hate to tell you this but the tapering process is supposed to be 6 weeks. Abrupt Tramadol withdrawal or going "cold-turkey" can last 6 weeks also. It is an opioid an a SNRI so it is a double whammy. Tea wont help. The only option is to talk to a doctor about the hell and they can help you to taper properly into a comfortable medium. I still think Effexor temporarily is the best bet but ask your GP and get his or her opinion. Don't give up. You can fight this thing.