Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.
Tramadol or Ultram is a German invented pain reliever created in the 1970s. It is quite different than other prescribed pain relievers like codeine or hydrocodone, and generally considered far less addictive, though people can become addicted to it. Most often it is prescribed to treat pain associated with various forms of neuralgia. Other conditions for which might be used are called off-label or investigational and these include restless legs syndrome, migraines, withdrawal of other more addictive medications, fibromyalgia, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
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 may be prescribed as an immediate release tablet (tramadol hcl 50 mg) or as an extended release tablet. The extended release tablets are usually reserved for patients with chronic pain who require continuous, long-term treatment. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage schedule for you.
Tramadol is usually marketed as the hydrochloride salt (tramadol hydrochloride) and is available for both injection (intravenous and/or intramuscular) and oral administration. It is also available in conjunction with acetaminophen (paracetamol, APAP) as Ultracet. The solutions suitable for injection are used in Patient-Controlled Analgesia pumps under some circumstances, either as the sole agent or along with another agent such as morphine.
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Tramadol is not considered a controlled substance in the US and Canada, and is available with a normal prescription. Tramadol is available over the counter without prescription in a few countries. Also, you can buy online tramadol.