"i have been prescribed tramadol for the past 5 years and it has completly relieved my back pain. i have stopped a few times, but the pain returned. initially i took 2 x 50mg tablets a day, but now need 3 x 50mg a day to get the same relief. i had a feeling of euphoria and some anxiety side effects during the 1st year, but now these have gone and i just get the pain relief.  i do have mild withdrawal symptoms if i discontinue the tramadol, which i do every few months for a few days. the withdrawal is in the form of anxiety and an uncomfortable feeling for a couple of days, but nothing that i can not easily put up with. breaking the continuity of use for a few days is good to prevent more severe withdrawal i believe, but tramadol is still the best and most effective pain reliever i have tried and i plan to continue using it."