Tramadol (or tramodol, as it is commonly misspelled) is a generic oral
medication available with a doctor's prescription. Tramadol is a part of
the opioid analgesic class of medications, of which morphine and
hydrocodone are also members.
Like other opioid analgesics, tramadol functions by blocking sites on
your brain and spinal cord known as opioid receptors. When these sites
are blocked, your nervous system slows down.
Because of the effect tramadol and other opioid analgesics have on your
nervous system, doctors prescribe the drug for the treatment of severe
pain.
Tramadol is available in two forms, one of which intended for use for
five days to relieve temporary pain caused by a sudden illness or
surgery, explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The other form
of tramadol is for prolonged usage in the treatment of chronic pain.
Like other opioid analgesics, some patients develop a physical or
emotional dependence upon tramadol, resulting in abuse of the drug like
taking more than prescribed or using even when pain no longer persists,
cautions the Mayo Clinic.
Tramadol and other opioid analgesics pose a risk for respiratory
depression, a life-threatening condition where your brain is not able to
regulate your breathing. Because of this, tramadol should not be
combined with other drugs in its class or with alcohol, warns the U.S.
National Library of Medicine.
