Tramadol: 10 Facts You Should Know

Tramadol -- the generic version of Ultram -- is a synthetic analgesic painkiller. Tramadol is prescribed for arthritis patients to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. The exact mode of action of tramadol is unknown but it is said to work like morphine. Tramadol binds to opioid receptors in the brain -- receptors that transmit the sensation of pain throughout the body.

Tramadol belongs to the class of drugs known as opiate agonists. Primarily, tramadol works by changing the way the body senses pain. Some people with arthritis mistakenly believe that tramadol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it is not. Tramadol may be prescribed as a 50 mg. immediate release tablet or as a 100, 200, or 300 mg. extended release tablet.

• What are the safety warnings for tramadol?
• What are the potential side effects of tramadol?
• What possible drug interactions may occur with tramadol?

Knowing how to use tramadol safely decreases the chance for unwanted side effects. Safety warnings about tramadol should be respected. If you are taking the medication, here are 10 Things You Should Know About Tramadol.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Painkillers
• 10 Ways to Increase Your Pain Levels
• 10 Facts You Should Know About Painkillers
• Pain Management: Ways to Manage Your Pain
• When Are Pain Medications Appropriate for Arthritis Patients?

_{Photo by tdenham (stock.xchng)}