Ultram works by flooding the brain’s receptors to deaden the feeling of pain. People typically take this drug in pill or capsule form. There are also extended release tablets that doctors may prescribe to treat pain associated with surgery or a chronic health condition. The drug helps to control pain by increasing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin are associated with mood; increased levels of these neurotransmitters induce “feel-good” sensations and enhance the patient’s feeling of wellbeing.