Tramadol is considered an opioid narcotic drug in the same category as drugs like morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone.
Opioid drugs act on opioid receptors in the brain, not only blocking pain, but also increasing pleasure and producing a mellow and euphoric “high” when abused. Heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and respiration rates all slow down, easing stress and producing relaxation. Opioid drugs are some of the most abused drugs in the country, potentially due to these desirable effects when taken recreationally.
Tramadol acts on opioid receptors and increases the levels of dopamine present in the brain like other opioids, but it also inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin from being reabsorbed.
This action is similar to the way many selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant medications work on the brain, the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology reports. This method of action may differ from traditional opioids, having both analgesic and antidepressant effects simultaneously.
Additionally, individuals who are being treated for opioid dependence, and taking opioid antagonist medications like naltrexone, may take tramadol as it seems to circumvent the opioid blockade and still produce a high, Psych Central reports.
In this case, tramadol may serve as a substitute for other opioids that are blocked by the antagonist medication. Individuals may also take tramadol as an opioid substitute when trying to avoid withdrawal symptoms after “coming down” from opioids like heroin or more potent prescription opioids.
Tramadol may temporarily ease drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it an attractive drug of abuse to those who struggle with opioid dependence. Tramadol is also habit-forming and can lead to drug dependence and addiction with continued abuse, however.
CREDIT:S.A.Kingsley.
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