Granted it is not classified as a narcotic but it works much
like Morphine and on the same receptors.
Like morphine, tramadol binds to receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are important for transmitting the sensation of pain from throughout the body. As you have discovered you must taper from this medication. You cannot abruptly withdraw from Tramadol. It could cause such symptoms as anxiety, sweating, insomnia, increased pain, nausea, diarrhea and hallucinations.