How does Zydol / Tramal (Tramadol Hydrochloride) work?
Zydol capsules, soluble tablets and injection all contain the active ingredient tramadol hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an opioid painkiller. (NB. Tramadol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors. Tramadol mimicks the action of our natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. Tramadol also works by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds that act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Tramadol enhances the effect of the neurotransmitters serot
