I have the same concerns as you. It is a relatively new med for me. From what I've found out, it can be addictive to some, but some can use it for a long time and discontinue it without much trouble. It also works well for many for a long time & sometimes it does not. It depends on the person.

You don't know if it will work for you or not, yet. You aren't likely to get dependent on Tramadol if you only take it to try it out. My suggestion is that you try it with a full glass of water and wait. Personally, if I take it in the morning, in a couple of hours (maybe less) I feel the benefits of it ALL DAY, into the evening. That may be just me & not you or someone else, but me. I'm having a hard time justifying to myself not to use more often than 4 days a week (to prevent what you are worried about). I may only be suffering in my feet, but after 4 years, it gets pretty old. Luckily, I don't have much problem at night & only during the day, so a dose in the AM is working for me now.

If the Dr prescribed you one 50mg a dose, I'd stick with that, if it works. If the Dr said it was OK to take 2-50mg, that you could try another day. You're going to have to take a step somewhere to see what works for YOU. If you don't like a drug, by all means, stop using it and look for something else.

No one can decide for you & no one drug will likely give you exactly what you want. What really matters, I guess, is how long does one want to suffer.