"initially tramadol worked wonderfully for the chronic pain that i experience. i was prescribed ultram for foot and back pain as an alternative to hydrocodone.  i never had any significant withdrawal symptoms or dependency problems from the hydrocodone, my doctor just had a problem prescribing it to me for reasons unknown to me.  i asked him directly about the long term effects of taking tramadol and he assured me that it was nothing for me to worry about.  he was wrong.  i understand that every drug affects everyone differently, but i have never felt so terrible in my life as i am currently in the process of getting off of tramadol.  body aches, cold sweats, mood swings, overall body stiffness...i feel miserable. "