I'm with you on this one...it's OTC here, and can be as cheap as RM 70 for 100 tablets of Tramadolor, which would be around US$ 20 cents for a 50 ml capsule, instant release.
I wouldn't compare it to methadone (coz I really like methadone, it's cheaper than heroin and it lasts for AGES) since tramadol gives me a serotonin boost at around 200 mg (and it's also a NE reuptake inhibitor - mild) so it goes well with coffee.
I basically use it for work, I take it Mon - Sat, and it keeps me in a good mood, and it's slight stimulant properties when consumed with caffeine (or whatever you want, though coffee is cheap enough to drink every day

) gets me going till about 6 pm. It's a great work drug, and there's no comedown to speak of too.
I like it, but some people I know can't get the "good" effects...
Tramadol is also available in IV/IM/SC ampoules, that's a little more recreational - it gives you a rush. Mabron is the one making it, it comes in 5 x 200 mg glass ampoules for RM 25 (roughly over USD 1.x). It's nice, but I'll stick with the oral capsules for working.