Tramadol is a prescription medication used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs called opioid analgesics and works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the transmission of pain signals and altering the perception of pain. In addition to its opioid effects, tramadol also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which can contribute to its pain-relieving properties. Tramadol is available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral disintegrating tablets, providing flexibility in dosing for different pain management needs.