Tramadol is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It is used for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which help to decrease the perception of pain.
In addition to its opioid effects, tramadol also has some properties that resemble those of antidepressant medications. It is classified as a centrally acting analgesic, meaning it acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain.