Tramadol is controlled in Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act.
Tramadol can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Non-medical use of tramadol refers to use that occurs outside a doctor's prescription and is illegal in many countries, including Australia.
Tramadol is considered an opioid narcotic drug in the same category as drugs like morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. Opioid drugs act on opioid receptors in the brain, not only blocking pain, but also increasing pleasure and producing a mellow and euphoric “high” when abused.
Official answer. The painkiller tramadol is considered a narcotic (opioid) and a controlled substance by the U.S. federal government. Controlled substances are regulated by the government to prevent abuse and misuse and lower the risk of overdose.
It is considered a class IV drug by the FDA and has been since July of 2014. Due to possible misuse disorder potential, limitations to its use should be for pain that is refractory to other pain medication, such as non-opioid pain medication.
Official answer. Both tramadol and codeine are prescription painkillers, and they seem to be equally effective in terms of pain relief. There is no evidence that tramadol is any stronger than codeine at relieving pain. Codeine is an opiate medicine and tramadol is a synthetic (man-made) opioid.
Tramadol is an opioid-like medication that has a similar structure and mechanism to morphine but is weaker than other opioid medications like oxycodone. While oxycodone is often regarded as the more potent drug, it also carries a higher risk of abuse and addiction due to its opioid properties.
Tramadol, a centrally acting analgesic structurally related to codeine and morphine, consists of two enantiomers, both of which contribute to analgesic activity via different mechanisms. (+)-Tramadol and the metabolite (+)-O-desmethyl-tramadol (M1) are agonists of the mu opioid receptor.
Do not take medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs (which are used to treat depression) with tramadol. The combination can cause significant side effects such as anxiety, confusion and hallucinations.
In 2014, the drug was reclassified as Schedule IV; a nod to its abuse potential although still not in the Schedule II category occupied by most opioid analgesics. As a result, tramadol is included today in all state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) nationwide.
In general the lowest pain-relieving dose should be taken. You should usually swallow one or two capsules at a time.
Tramadol is a strong painkiller from a group of medicines called opiates, or narcotics. It's used to treat moderate to severe pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury. If you have long term pain, your doctor may also prescribe it if weaker painkillers no longer work.
Even though these medications have a similar use, oxycodone is known to be more potent, with stronger pain-relieving capabilities than tramadol. The FDA classifies oxycodone as a higher risk for misuse than tramadol.
Official answer. No, Tramadol is not an anti-inflammatory drug or muscle relaxer. It's a synthetic opioid that relieves pain. Because it's not an anti-inflammatory drug, it likely won't reduce any swelling you have when taken alone.
However, since 1995, changes to the controlled substance status of tramadol have been made due to reports of drug abuse, misuse and criminal diversion (shifting of any legally prescribed controlled substance from the patient to another person for any illicit use, such as abuse or sale on the streets).
Tramal® 50 mg may be adequate as the initial dose for less severe pain. Otherwise, 50 – 100 mg as needed for relief, every four to six hours may be administered. For more severe pain, an initial dose of 100 mg is usually more effective. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 400 mg per day.
While the side effects of tramadol can make you sleepy and tired, tramadol use is more associated with insomnia. In a short study, people taking tramadol exhibit shorter stage 2 sleep and significantly shorter stage 4 sleep.
Tramadol drops, injections and some tablets and capsules will start to work within 30 to 60 minutes. They're used for pain that is expected to last for only a short time. You may be told to take this type of tramadol only if you need it for pain that can come and go.
Combining tramadol and paracetamol
Paracetamol is often used with stronger pain medicine (analgesics) such as tramadol. This gives extra pain relief when required. Taking paracetamol regularly with tramadol gives you best pain relieving effect. Your dose of tramadol can be stepped up and down depending on your pain.
Tramadol hydrochloride - the active substance in Tramadol - is a painkiller belonging to the class of opioids that acts on the central nervous system. It relieves pain by acting on specific nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain. Tramadol is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.
Morphine is a stronger opioid drug. Other examples of strong opioids include diamorphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone and buprenorphine. Opioid medicines come in many forms including tablets, capsules, liquids, skin patches and injections.
Both tramadol and hydrocodone are opioids—strong pain-relieving drugs. These drugs change how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. They can also have “feel-good” effects due to releasing brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. These drugs are both controlled substances.
Tramadol is a powerful painkiller related to morphine that can be used to treat neuropathic pain that does not respond to other treatments a GP can prescribe. Like all opioids, tramadol can be addictive if it's taken for a long time. It'll usually only be prescribed for a short time.