I take Tramadol 4xday (100mgs ea), and have been taking it for 7 years.
I take it along with Lyrica, and it definitely keeps my pain levels down,
as a combination- & works better than either, alone.
I definitely am dependent on one or the other of these two
(cannot say which, as they are taken together).
For me, its a fact of life.
No need to stop either, as when I miss a dose time,
I really can feel it. I know it!
I'm satisfied with my pain control, and am an advocate of:
"If it ain't broke.....don't fix it!"
(don't mess around with it!)