What is another name for tramadol hydrochloride?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Since its FDA approval in 1995, tramadol has been a widely prescribed pain medication, but many patients are unaware that the generic drug tramadol hydrochloride is sold under multiple brand names. Knowing the various names can be crucial for patients and caregivers navigating prescriptions and understanding medications.

Quick Summary

Tramadol hydrochloride is the generic name for the opioid pain reliever, tramadol, which is commonly marketed under brand names such as Ultram, Conzip, and Qdolo. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance used for moderate to moderately severe pain.

Key Points

Generic Name: Tramadol hydrochloride is the generic, non-proprietary name for the pain medication, often simply called tramadol.
Brand Names: Common brand names for tramadol include Ultram, Ultram ER, Conzip, and Qdolo in the United States.
Ultracet: Ultracet is a separate brand name for a medication that is a combination of tramadol and acetaminophen.
Controlled Substance: Tramadol was reclassified by the DEA as a Schedule IV controlled substance in 2014, indicating a potential for abuse and dependence.
Dual Mechanism: Tramadol works by both binding to opioid receptors and inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.
Patient Safety: Patients should always be aware of the potential for dependence, withdrawal, and serious side effects like seizures and respiratory depression, especially when combined with other substances.

Understanding the Name: Generic vs. Brand

In the world of pharmaceuticals, a drug can have several different names. The chemical name is based on its molecular structure, while the generic name is a non-proprietary name that identifies the active ingredient. Brand names, or trade names, are proprietary names given by manufacturers for marketing purposes. Tramadol hydrochloride is the salt form of the generic drug tramadol, which is the active pain-relieving ingredient.

For many patients, the most familiar name for tramadol hydrochloride is its original U.S. brand name, Ultram. However, several other brand names exist, often dependent on the formulation, manufacturer, or country. For example, there are extended-release versions with distinct brand names.

List of Tramadol Brand Names

Here are some of the other names for tramadol hydrochloride, often seen on prescriptions and in pharmacies:

Ultram® and Ultram® ER: The original and extended-release versions available in the U.S..
Conzip®: Another U.S. brand name for extended-release tramadol capsules.
Qdolo®: A U.S. brand name for the oral liquid solution.
Ultracet®: A combination product that contains both tramadol and the non-opioid pain reliever acetaminophen.
Other international brands: Names like Maxitram, Marol, Zydol, Zamadol, and Tramulief are used in other countries, such as the UK.

The Dual Mechanism of Action

Tramadol is considered an 'atypical' opioid analgesic because it possesses a dual mechanism of action. Its analgesic effects are not solely due to its activity as an opioid. It works in the central nervous system in two ways:

Opioid Agonist Activity: Tramadol and its active metabolite bind to mu-opioid receptors, which inhibits the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Monoamine Reuptake Inhibition: It also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters involved in modulating pain signals.

This dual mechanism contributes to its effectiveness in treating moderate to moderately severe pain.

Controlled Substance Classification

Initially approved in 1995 as a non-controlled substance, concerns over its abuse potential led to its reclassification. In 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officially classified tramadol as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. This classification signifies that it has a potential for abuse, though a lower risk than Schedule II opioids like oxycodone. This change imposes restrictions on prescribing and dispensing, with prescriptions typically valid for a limited time and number of refills.

Important Considerations and Alternatives

When a healthcare provider prescribes tramadol, it is essential to follow their directions carefully. Patients should be aware of the potential for dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and severe drug interactions, especially when combined with alcohol, other central nervous system depressants, or antidepressants.

Comparison Table of Tramadol vs. Common Alternatives


Feature	Tramadol (e.g., Ultram)	Naproxen (e.g., Aleve)	Oxycodone (e.g., Roxicodone)
Drug Class	Opioid Analgesic	Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)	Opioid Analgesic
Mechanism	Binds to opioid receptors; inhibits serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake	Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandins	Binds to and activates mu-opioid receptors
Controlled Substance?	Yes (Schedule IV)	No	Yes (Schedule II)
Use	Moderate to moderately severe pain	Mild to moderate pain, inflammation, fever	Moderate to severe pain
Potential for Dependence	Moderate risk	Low risk	High risk
Common Side Effects	Nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, constipation	Stomach upset, dizziness, fluid retention	Constipation, nausea, dizziness, respiratory depression
Severe Side Effects	Seizures, serotonin syndrome, respiratory depression	Increased risk of cardiovascular and GI events	Severe respiratory depression, overdose

For those seeking different pain management strategies, especially for chronic pain, alternatives to tramadol include non-opioid medications and other therapies. Options range from over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or prescription medications such as the SNRI antidepressant duloxetine (Cymbalta) for nerve pain. Physical therapy, acupuncture, and topical pain relievers like diclofenac gel are also valid approaches, depending on the patient's specific condition. Discussing these options with a healthcare provider is essential for creating a safe and effective pain management plan. For more detailed information on drug uses and side effects, visit a trusted resource like the MedlinePlus website.

Conclusion

While tramadol hydrochloride is the generic term for the common pain reliever, understanding its various brand names, most notably Ultram, is crucial for patient safety and communication with healthcare providers. Its unique dual mechanism of action and status as a Schedule IV controlled substance distinguish it from other pain medications. Patients and caregivers should always be aware of the risks, side effects, and available alternatives to ensure proper and safe pain management.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common brand name for tramadol hydrochloride is Ultram, which was the original trade name for the drug when it was approved in the United States in 1995.

Yes, in a practical sense. Tramadol is the generic name of the drug, while tramadol hydrochloride is the specific chemical salt form of the active ingredient. They are functionally the same medication.

Ultracet is a brand-name medication that is a combination of tramadol and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), not just tramadol alone.

Tramadol was designated a Schedule IV controlled substance in 2014 due to its potential for abuse, misuse, and dependence. This classification was based on reports of abuse after its initial market entry.

Tramadol is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Extended-release versions are used for chronic, ongoing pain.

Alternatives to tramadol depend on the type and severity of pain but can include other opioid analgesics, non-opioid medications like NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen), and antidepressants like duloxetine for nerve pain.

Serious side effects of tramadol include seizures, respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing), and a condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when taken in high doses or with certain other medications.