"i began taking tramadol for very severe cramps during my period, and not only did it make the pain stop, it made me more productive and greatly helped my mood. i&#039;m lucky in that it does not require a prescription where i live so i can buy it from my pharmacist. i take it along with chinese herbs that really helped save my life ( tcm views depression as being a lack of life force or &#039;jing&#039;) and the combo of he shu wu, schizandra, and tramadol have done wonders for improving my quality of life. tramadol is however habit inducing and the withdrawal can suck. i get essentially really bad restless leg syndrome when i&#039;ve gone off of it, to the point where i can&#039;t sleep."