Published on: February 26, 2013

The UK’s advisory council on misuse of drugs (ACMD) has recommended tighter control on the use of Tramadol, concerned with the rising number of deaths with its abuse.

BBC report: Tighter controls on painkiller tramadol needed – ACMD

Needless to say, while we promote rational and essential use of opioids for pain relief, we need to remember the principle of balance and do all in our power to avoid abuse. This is especially relevant when we use opioids like tramadol for chronic non-cancer pain.

The least we can do is to warn our patients about the side-effects like tachycardia, hypertension and seizures which can endanger life, if in a desperate attempt at relieving pain, overdoses are taken.