TREATMENT DATABASE

Ultram (tramadol) is a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic used for severe pain.

Tramadol was developed in the 1970s by the German company Grunenthal GmbH. Somewhat like narcotics, it is an opioid agonist, releasing serotonin and inhibiting the uptake of norepinephrine. Because tramadol is structurally similar to Effexor, it has been proposed as a treatment for mood disorders, phobias and anxiety, although physicians have not endorsed it for these uses. Tramadol may be habit-forming.

USES IN ME/CFS: Ultram has been prescribed to treat muscle and fibromyalgia-type pain that has been resistant to other medications.

Treatment rating for Ultram