Tramadol is a drug used to treat patients suffering from medium and severe pains. This medication should only be consumed when prescribed by a physician. It is effective in treating pain that arises from surgery or dental operations. Tramadol can also be used to treat back pain, joint pain and pain due to cancer. Essentially, this is a prescription drug used as a pain reliever.

A German pharmaceutical company, Grünenthal, was the first to develop this medicine. This company still owns the patent for Tramadol. . For the last three decades, this drug has been used for clinical purposes in Germany. However in recent times, they have authorized other pharmaceutical companies to market the drug under various names

Tramadol has a pain relieving effect due to its composition, which affects the GABAergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic systems in humans. It is known to have a direct effect upon neurotransmitters in the human body. The medication is not designed to induce sedation but works well to counteract pain. If the drug is administered through intra muscular and intravenous methods, it is known to be effective in treating postoperative pain.

Tramadol tablets are usually consumed orally. Physicians usually recommend patients take it prior to or after meals. These tablets are commonly available in 50 to 100 mg doses. Physicians recommend a maximum dosage of 400 mg per day. The drug should not be used to treat patients with seizure and spasm disorders or weakened liver or kidney function. Safety levels of Tramadol for children under the age of 16, pregnant and breast-feeding women are yet to be determined.

Consumption of Tramadol does have some side effects such as drowsiness and excessive sleep. The World Health Organization guidelines for cancer pain management, confirms that the drug is safe for usage during stage II cancer. Tramadol has an effect on pain within an hour of consumption and this quick action prompts physicians to administer the drug to patients suffering from acute pain.