Tramadol is a prescription pain reliever classified as an opioid analgesic. It works in a way similar to other opioids. It's primarily used for moderate to moderately severe pain relief, often when over-the-counter pain medications prove insufficient. Tramadol influences how pain signals are processed in the brain and how the body ultimately responds to the sensation of pain. Additionally, it can also increase levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, further enhancing its pain-relieving effects.