pain
"For low back pain from herniated L5/S1 disc, I take 4 Ultracet (150mg tramadol) daily and up to 4 more when the pain is bad (300mg/day max).  This allows me to deal easily with breakthrough pain.  It is much less habit forming than Vicodin and works just as well for pain relief.  I am able to "manage my medicines" easily with this.  I didn't like the extended release (Ortho-McNeil brand name Ultram ER) as it seemed to hit too hard and then run out at like dinner time.  So I dose 4 times a day as the Tramadol seems to last about 4-5 hours.  The only downside I've had with Tramadol is an occasional short headache.
I also take Gabapentin, usually 1.2 - 1.8 grams/day depending on the pain level.  Gabapentin works well with the tramadol."