Tramadol is which class of drug?

What drug class is tramadol?

Tramadol is an opioid (narcotic) pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It works as a centrally acting analgesic, acting on opioid receptors and also affecting serotonin and norepinephrine signaling in the brain and spinal cord. [1]

Is tramadol an opioid or something else?

It is classified as an opioid analgesic. Despite having additional actions on serotonin/norepinephrine pathways, it is still considered part of the opioid class for safety, prescribing, and risk purposes (including dependence and withdrawal). [1]

What does that mean for patients (common expectations)?

Because it is an opioid, tramadol can cause typical opioid-related effects such as drowsiness and constipation, and it carries risks tied to opioids (including misuse, dependence, and respiratory depression at high doses or with other depressants). [1]

Sources

1. https://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html