"i was put on tramadol for pain and a funny thing happened.   i noticed i felt more energy and overall well being.   i had felt a bit depressed over the years and they tried a few meds but none seemed to work.   i had surgery and was given tramadol.   once the pain was gone - i stopped it and noticed i fell back into my old slump.   i was in therapy and tried everything.  years later  i went to mexico for business and saw tramdol in the pharmacy.  i bought one bottle of 50mg capsules and said let&#039;s try this. 50mg twice a day.  within 2 weeks people were commenting i seemed like i was happier.   it does not give me a high like hydrocodone and other opiate meds.   they need to explore this and stop shooting it down as an antidepressant."