One extremely important thing with Tramadol (but which you could apply to any new drug) is to start it VERY slowly - never jump in with the usual prescribed dose of 1 three times a day or you'll have a major headache and be dead sick the next day, to the point you'll most likely not want to take any more. However, if you taper the dose up slowly i.e. 1 every other day to start with, then 1 a day when the initial side effects settle, then slowly up to required dose for effect, side effects should settle and be minimal. Unfortunately it does indeed tend to hype you up - so great to take if you're fatigued (as I am) or early in the day, but not last thing at night. And again, if coming off them, do so slowly so as not to provoke symptom related withdrawal (i.e. pain returning with a vengeance provoked by the brain's need for the drug!).
Hope that helps.
TKR