Tramadol Drug Class

As part of the "centrally acting opioid analgesic" drug class, tramadol hydrochloride (Ultram^®) works in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), acts much like morphine in the body, and relieves pain. Tramadol also works in a similar manner as some antidepressant medications by inhibiting the reuptake of certain brain chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine).

 

Originally, tramadol was marketed as a medication with weak narcotic effects and little potential for abuse. As a result, many healthcare providers came to view the drug as relatively safe for use in people at risk for drug abuse, such as people with previous problems with drug or alcohol abuse. However, research has since demonstrated that tramadol works primarily through morphine-like activity, and numerous cases of abuse and dependence have been reported.

 

Because tramadol is not classified as a controlled substance in most states, many healthcare providers use it for their patients when they want to avoid the inconveniences of prescribing a controlled substance (such as many other pain medications) or if they are not authorized to prescribe controlled substances.