Tramadol is a prescription medication primarily used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics, which work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the perception of pain and how the body responds to it.

Tramadol is often prescribed for various types of pain, including:

1. Chronic pain: Tramadol may be used to manage long-term pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or neuropathy.

2. Acute pain: Tramadol may be prescribed for short-term relief of pain following surgeries, injuries, or medical procedures.

Tramadol is available in different formulations, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions. The immediate-release formulation is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief, while the extended-release formulation is taken once daily for around-the-clock pain management.