"i started taking tramadol for chronic shoulder pain after i broke my rotator cup, and found it works about as good as vicodin. i have since realized it improved my mood much like hydrocodone does, big plus. i just hope i don&#039;t develop a tolerance like on vicodon. i&#039;ve also realized tramadol decreases my appetite during the day which is another big plus. i highly recommend this medicine for pain if they are reluctant to using narcotic pain relievers."