Tramadol is a non-opioid analgesic (pain reliever).
In the US, Tramadol is not a controlled substance and is available with
a regular prescription. Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe
pain.
And on to what you are really here for:
Although not related to traditional opioids such as codine, vicodin,
and oxycontin; tramadol can produce a very pleasant high in many users.
Many drug abusers state that tramadol induces euphoria and a state of
well-being without clouding and muddling thinking like other opioids.
Some other off-label and investigatory uses for tramadol are (which may vary from user to user):
- Helps focus and concentration
- Helps control appetite
- Reduces the temptation to drink alcohol
- Reduces the temptation to smoke cigarettes, and marijuana
- Helps control premature ejaculation
Since these are not valid reasons for prescribing tramadol, your
doctor will not likely prescribe it to you for these purposes. But if
you just so happen to have a need for pain management (wink, wink), you
may also benefit from some of the above mentioned off-label and
investigatory uses for tramadol.
At high but therapeutic single doses (about 75-200mg), the high is similar to above mentioned opioids, but not as intense.
At very high single doses (>500mg, not recommended), abusers report the high is similar to amphetamines like Adderall.
The effects of tramadol are also noted to last longer than that of
opioids. For example; effects from hydrocodone last 4 to 6 hours, while
those of tramadol can last up to 8 or 12 hours. The high brought on by
tramadol may not be just from its weak opioid activity, but also from
its sudden action on serotonin and norepinephrine, which may explain
the stimulant-like effects.