Tramadol is the weakest rx pain relief. Also as I mentioned . I can't take the ssri, though tramadol mimics some of that side effect, it helps make you feel better and why you need to taper off. I've heard Lyrica works well for fibro and I think I mentioned asking about Topamax if this new doctor is bound and determined to get me off Tramadol. I have read stories about it being addictive and I do feel effects if I wait too long to take it. (Thise rare tines I wake feeling good. Very rare.) I have a fear of addicton so really won't take more than prescribed.
I did try fentenyl patches and it took away ALL the pain. The problem I ran into was being backed up. I tend to have flares of diverticulitis and found myself in the hospital for 8 days.
I don't notice any day after tiredness from 5mg Ambien. I also wake during the might once or twice, it's more of a 'help go to sleep' medicine. I was first given 10mg but that was too strong.
And thjs is long. The kther med I tried and was great was Darvocet-100 bit they discontinued it. I took Soma prior to Ambien and it worked great, When I changed doctors, he didn't want to prescribe it. So it goes.
This is long, sorry!
Take care, hydrate, stretch and breathe.
~Vikki