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.
