Tramadol is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics, which work by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Tramadol is often prescribed for managing pain after surgery or for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.

 

The drug is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid drops, with extended-release formulations for long-term pain management. Tramadol’s mechanism involves binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, which decreases the perception of pain. Additionally,

 

it inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to its pain-relieving effects.

While effective, tramadol carries a risk of side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, constipation, headache, and drowsiness.