Tramadol is classed as a centrally-acting, oral analgesic (ache drug) that consistsof an opioid (narcotic). So yes, tramadol is a narcotic. Other opioids encompass pills you will be greater acquainted with, like oxycodone or codeine. Opioids have made headlines during the last few years because of the terrific trouble of opioid dependency inside the U.S.