General Description

Tramadol, sold under the brand name Ultram among others,[2] is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.[1] When taken by mouth in an immediate-release formulation, the onset of pain relief usually begins within an hour.[1] It is also available by injection.[8] It may be sold in combination with paracetamol (acetaminophen) or as longer acting formulations.[1][8] Common side effects include constipation, itchiness, and nausea.[1] Serious side effects may include seizures, increased risk of serotonin syndrome, decreased alertness, and drug addiction.[1] A change in dosage may be recommended in those with kidney or liver problems.[1] It is not recommended in those who are at risk of suicide or in those who are pregnant.[1][8] While not recommended in women who are breastfeeding, those who take a single dose should not generally stop breastfeeding.[9] Tramadol acts by binding to the ?-opioid receptor of the neuron and is also a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.[1][10] It is converted in the liver to O-desmethyltramadol, an opioid with stronger binding to the ?-opioid receptor.