Tramadol

Tramadol (Nobligan®, Tiparol®, Tradolan®, Tramal®, Ultram®) is an analgesic, a synthetic analogue of codeine. It appears to have similar effects to opioids such as morphine, therefore it's also addictive.

Although its method of operation is not fully understood it is believed to work in two complementary ways: The parent molecule and the first metabolite can bind to the nervous system opioid receptors, and cause the weak inhibition of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake. The metabolite appears to be the stronger ligand in this.