What substances' re-uptake is inhibited by tramadol?

Tramadol is a medication primarily used for pain relief, and it acts as a central analgesic. One of its mechanisms of action includes the inhibition of the re-uptake of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, which contributes to its analgesic effects. The correct choice identifies serotonin and noradrenaline as the substances whose re-uptake is inhibited by tramadol.

By inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, tramadol increases the availability of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This increase enhances their activity, leading to improved mood and pain relief. This pharmacological action is akin to that of some antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs), which also work by increasing the concentration of these neurotransmitters.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial in recognizing how tramadol works not only as an analgesic but also its potential effects on mood and emotional well-being, given that both serotonin and norepinephrine play significant roles in mood regulation.