I was put on Tramadol years ago. It was the first pain med. I had the drops, so I could self regulate (had to build it up), but the highest dose only managed to get the edge off the pain. Later I was put on long acting Tramadol. I never used Tramadol for breakthrough pain. It was my main pain medication for about 6 years. Then in 2004, I was put on Neurontin and Transtec pain patches (buprenorphine). I use Temgesic tablets (buprenorphine) for breakthrough pain. They are tiny tablets that melt under the tongue but they are the same type of med than the patches. I am still on these meds today.

I really don't know why they suddenly would switch you to Tramadol.