A recent study has raised concerns about the effectiveness of tramadol, a commonly prescribed medication for pain management. The study suggests that the risks associated with tramadol may outweigh its limited benefits for chronic pain, indicating a need to reduce its usage.
Published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, the study led by Dr. Janus Jakobsen from the University of Southern Denmark in Copenhagen, revealed that while tramadol may have a minor impact on chronic pain, the evidence supporting its efficacy is uncertain. Tramadol, classified as an opiate, carries a risk of addiction and is closely monitored by healthcare providers.
Analyzing 19 clinical trials involving over 6,500 individuals with chronic pain, the study assessed tramadol’s effects on various conditions such as neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, and fibromyalgia. Despite some pain relief reported, the study found that tramadol’s effectiveness fell below the clinically significant threshold.
Furthermore, tramadol has been associated with serious side effects, including cardiac events like chest pain and heart disease. With over 16 million tramadol prescriptions written in the US in 2023, the study emphasized the need to minimize the use of tramadol and other opioids due to their potential risks.
Dr. Jakobsen recommended exploring alternative treatments before resorting to tramadol, highlighting the importance of personalized care for individuals experiencing chronic pain. The study’s findings align with the growing concerns surrounding opioid-related deaths, emphasizing the importance of cautious prescribing practices to prevent adverse outcomes.
The study’s release follows a tragic incident where a teenager, Will Horley, lost his life due to a fatal reaction to tramadol after experimenting with the drug. His mother, Kim Webster, shared the heartbreaking story as a cautionary tale against recreational drug use, underscoring the unpredictable and devastating consequences that can result from such experimentation.