A woman, 67 years old, diagnosed with postherpetic complications in the form of pain in the buttock area, which intensifies at night, radiates towards the knee. Since the pain prevented sleep and neither paracetamol nor pyralgine was effective, 2 tablets of Poltram Combo (37.5 mg tramadol + 325 paracetamol) tablets film-coated at bedtime were recommended. With the use of 2 tablets, about 8-hour sleep is possible (1 tablet did not allow for a peaceful sleep all night), after which a slight pain begins to be felt, which after getting up and "spreading" passes. The drug has been used for about a week. How long can Poltram Combo, (37.5 mg tramadol + 325 paracetamol mg) be used? The package leaflet and the characteristic medicinal product contain very enigmatic statements: "Under no circumstances should Poltram Combo be used longer than strictly necessary". The medicinal product is taken only once a day (at bedtime) in the form of 2 tablets. Since postherpetic complications can persist for several months, there is a risk of having to take the drug for a longer period of time. Is it safe? Are there e.g. breaks in the use of tramadol. Of course, if an improvement is observed, pain reduction in the morning, the evening dose will be reduced. Thank you very much in advance for your reply!