Tramal, Ultram etc.
Yeah, i like tramadol though
Hey. Although yes Tramal targets 1 opiate receptor (TRUE opiates target many more), Tramal, Ultram, whatever country you're in, you must understand that Tramal is vastly structurally different to an opiate. It's not even in the class of opiates of this reason...
There are many opiate receptors. I will name them, but they are in greek alphabet. δ which is Delta, which resides in brain, κ - Kappa - which is another receptor found in brain, μ which a lot of American texts call "mu" but it really is pronouced "Mju". The last one is slightly different, does not only reside in brain (also spinal cord) and is not in a letter of Greek alphabet - it's called Nociceptin receptor. (OP4)...
Tramal uses only 1 of these receptors and in a very poor way. Sure you might get off your face on it but its pretty bad for you if you take more than is prescribed. It is a μ receptor agonist, but that is the only opiate part of it. The rest of it contains Noradrenergic and Serotonergic qualities, which brings up an important point. If you are on any antidepressant, even if it is not an SSRI, you *SHOULD NOT TAKE* Tramal, and double goes for pregnant women and women breastfeeding.
So I guess what I am saying in essence is Tramal is more of an antidepressant-type drug than it is a painkiller, but by making you happier, you feel less pain. But please, people on antidepressants - be careful. Too many lives have been lost already from this confusion.
Regards
Pharm