Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is similar to codeine but has fewer side effects. Tramadol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. The immediate-release formulation is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The extended-release formulation is taken once or twice a day.
Tramadol is effective in treating a variety of types of pain, including pain from surgery, injury, and cancer. It is also used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Tramadol is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dizziness.