Tramadol is a prescription pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Introduced in the late 20th century, it is classified pharmacologically as an opioid analgesic but is distinct from stronger traditional opioids because it also modifies neurotransmitter levels. This dual mechanism — weak activation of mu-opioid receptors combined with inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake — contributes to tramadol’s pain-relieving effects for a variety of acute and chronic conditions.