"i have a bleeding disorder so can&#039;t take nsaids. unfortunately, i also have arthritis and shoulder pain. i was taking tylenol #3 but didn&#039;t like the mental clouding side effect. tramadol has worked great for me. i take 100 to 300 mg a day, tending toward the 100 side with 300 being for active weekends of running and biking (300 spread out in 3 doses, not all at once, obviously). this works really well. i&#039;m giving it an 8 because of the side effects (constipation and dry mouth). 

i&#039;ve skipped a couple days with no problem and no overwhelming desire to take it (other than i hurt!)"