| Tramadol
acts on the central nervous system and unlike codeine and
its derivative medications is a totally synthetic analgesic
compound. Although its mode of action is not completely understood,
from animal tests, at least two complementary mechanisms appear
applicable: the binding of parent compound and its metabolite
to opioid receptors and weak inhibition of reuptake of norepinephrine
and serotonin by nerves located within the central nervous
system. Tramadol-induced analgesia is only partially reversed
by the opiate
antagonist naloxone in several animal tests. Tramadol
has been shown to inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin
in vitro. These mechanisms may contribute independently to
the overall analgesic profile of Tramadol. Analgesia in humans
begins approximately within one hour after administration
and reaches a peak in approximately two to three hour |