How Does Tramadol ER Work?
Tramadol ER tablets are specially designed to release the medication continuously over a 24-hour period.
Tramadol ER contains tramadol, a drug that is classified as a "centrally acting opioid analgesic." This means that it works in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), acts much like
morphine in the body, and relieves pain. Much like morphine, tramadol ER binds to certain opioid receptors in the body known as μ ("mu") receptors.
Tramadol ER also works a little like some
antidepressant medications by inhibiting the reuptake of certain brain chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine). Serotonin and norepinephrine are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another. As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin or norepinephrine. The serotonin or norepinephrine enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it.
When enough serotonin or norepinephrine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin or norepinephrine that remains in the gap between the cells. This is called "reuptake."
Can It Be Used in Children?
Tramadol ER is not approved for children and is not recommended for use in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend tramadol ER for something other than the uses discussed previously in this article (this would be known as an "
off-label" use). There are no universally accepted off-label uses for tramadol ER.
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