Tramadol ER is used to treat chronic pain that can't be managed with other pain relievers. Learn about its side effects, cost, dosage, and interactions. Overview: Tramadol is an opioid pain medicine used to treat severe pain. It works by changing how your brain feels and reacts to pain. People take it by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Tramadol is an oral medication that is used to help relieve ongoing moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol is similar to opioid (narcotic) analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Tramadol is approved for the treatment of pain in adults that is severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which other treatments do not work or are not tolerated. Opioids should be used only when alternatives are inadequate. Tramadol can put you at risk for overdose and death. Effects of tramadol and O-demethyl-tramadol on human 5-HT reuptake carriers and human 5-HT3A receptors: a possible mechanism for tramadol-induced early emesis. What is tramadol, and what is it used for? Tramadol is a synthetic (man-made) pain reliever (analgesic). Researchers and doctors do not know the exact mechanism of action of tramadol, but it is similar to morphine. Tramadol belongs to the group of medicines called opioid analgesics. It acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. When tramadol is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Tramadol is an opioid medication that may be used to treat moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults, including pain after surgery. TRAMADOL (TRA ma dole) treats severe pain. It is often prescribed when other medications have not worked well enough or cannot be tolerated. It works by blocking pain signals in the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called opioids. Learn about tramadol usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives.