Is Tramadol an Antidepressant or Opioid?

Over the past ten years, pharmaceutical experts and medical institutions have studied an opioid pain medication called Tramadol. Tramadol was created by Germany in the 1960s and was licensed for use in the United States in 1995. It’s considered to be an opioid pain medication; however, it’s acknowledged to have less risk for abuse or addiction as compared to other opioids with stronger potency, like hydrocodone and oxycodone. Tramadol is frequently used for people who require opioid pain medications. However, they are also susceptible to addiction because it is considered safer than conventional prescription opioids.

What is Tramadol? How Does Tramadol Work?

Tramadol is recommended over other opioid pain medications since it does not directly connect to the opioid receptors of the brain, like morphine and other opioid pain medications. But, in reality, 100 mg of Tramadol is equivalent to 10-mg of morphine. The notion that it’s an inferior, more non-addictive opioid is thus often misunderstood. The research conducted on Tramadol is diverse. Certain studies have found Tramadol beneficial in treating anorexia and premature ejaculation, as well as restless leg syndrome and depression. Since Tramadol functions similarly to the antidepressant Effexor using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Studies on its effectiveness in treating various illnesses have produced reliable findings. Tramadol can effectively treat anorexia and other uses not listed on the label. Since this drug could treat many medical conditions, in addition to its standard treatment using opioids for pain management, there is ongoing research across all of these areas. Shortly, the FDA might recognize Tramadol to treat various diseases and conditions other than joint pain. The National Center for Biotechnology Information also explained that Buy Tramadol Online is approved off-label for premature ejaculation, restless leg syndrome, and other medical ailments.

Tramadol Is an Opioid With Antidepressant Properties

But, the research and research into Tramadol for its effectiveness as a depressant has received the most interest. Numerous medical experts and researchers have confirmed that Tramadol is akin to the antidepressant Effexor. One study, released in the American Psychological Association, in their journal titled Experimental as well as Clinical Psychopharmacology from 2011, focused on “Examining the Use of Tramadol Hydrochloride as an Antidepressant.” The article discusses how Tramadol is responsible for antinociception, which is the reduction of pain sensation. It also explains why Tramadol is also an antidepressant. According to the American Psychological Association:

Tramadol is an opioid that acts centrally with analgesic effects similar to codeine. Antinociception is thought to result from an effective but low attraction to mu-opioid receptor (m) as well as a reuptake mechanism of norepinephrine (NE) as well as serotonin (5HT) in the majority of dual-action antidepressants. The most notable is venlafaxine (Effexor), and Tramadol is very closely associated with the structure. Buy Tramadol Online is also able to block norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake. These drugs are effective in treating depression, and this synergistic monoaminergic action led to the study of Tramadol as a therapy for depression. (APA)

So, Tramadol has plenty of antidepressant properties due to its action by reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine as other classic SSRIs, but Tramadol isn’t an SSRI in the traditional sense. Tramadol is more like an opioid than an antidepressant and is marketed as a chronic or severe pain treatment.

Tramadol: Antidepressant or Opioid?

Because Tramadol is a type of opioid and antidepressant, what is the difference? Tramadol is prescribed to help reduce the pain caused by surgeries and other moderate to mild discomforts. Tramadol isn’t currently prescribed for treating depression. However, that could be changed. At present, Tramadol has been gaining recognition as a treatment for depression. But, it’s only approved to be used for pain relieving purposes. The Federal Drug Administration only supports Tramadol for the treatment of pain. If the FDA accepts Tramadol for any other medical purpose, It isn’t legally prescribed to treat depression. It can, however, be defined as an off-label drug. According to the Federal Drug Administration:

Tramadol is a distinct type of narcotic medicine known as an opioid. It is affixed to treat mild to moderately intense pain in adults. It is sold under Ultram, Ultram ER, and Conzip brands and as generics. Buying Tramadol Online may also be a combination drug with acetaminophen as a pain reliever with the name Ultracet and as a generic. (FDA)

The use of off-label drugs is quite every day and completely legal. The European Journal of Pharmacology explains how off-label drugs are utilized to treat depression, and psychiatrists and doctors accept them without FDA approval. According to the European Journal of Pharmacology:

The use of prescription drugs for depression is increasing rapidly. One reason for this is the numerous uses that should be listed on the label. About one-third of prescribed medications for depression are for not-indicated services. Pharmaceutical companies are not permitted to market a prescription for use that has not been approved by the appropriate authority, such as that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It is, however, legal to provide information on studies that demonstrate positive results from off-label use and legal for a doctor to prescribe a drug to be used off-label. (EJP)

Conclusion on the Pharmacology of Tramadol

 Tramadol is an opioid-based drug with antidepressant properties. It is a drug that can be misused, and a person can develop a dependency. The reality that Tramadol has a reputation as being less addictive is not true at all. It triggers the opioid receptors in the brain and can impact someone in a way similar to heroin and other painkillers prescribed by a doctor, which contains opioids. Tramadol could lead to dependency and addiction, just as other opioids. Despite numerous research studies showing that Tramadol acts the same way as the antidepressant Effexor and other medications, it’s not yet accepted as a legitimate medication for treating depression. If you or someone close to you depend on Tramadol, We can assist you in getting off the addictive drug. Contact us for help and contact our helpline 24/7.