By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com
Updated: June 28, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
Tramadol, the generic version of Ultram, is a synthetic analgesic medication. 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.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 2.3% were written for Ultram (tramadol) -- making it the sixth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
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