Tramadol is a medication used primarily to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is classified as a centrally-acting synthetic opioid analgesic. It is considered a weaker opioid compared to others like morphine or oxycodone—various brand names, including Ultram, also known as Tramadol. The active ingredient in Tramadol tablets, tramadol hydrochloride, works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord and inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. This dual mechanism of action helps to reduce the sensation of pain and increase pain tolerance.