Study Finds Tramadol’s Limited Effectiveness and Risks for Chronic Pain
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new analysis published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine is challenging the widespread use of tramadol, a common synthetic opioid often prescribed for chronic pain. While tramadol has historically been viewed as a safer or less addictive alternative to stronger opioids, the study suggests that its actual benefits may be minimal compared to its potential harms.
The researchers analyzed data from 19 randomized clinical trials involving over 6,500 adults suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, and fibromyalgia. The results indicated that the pain relief provided by tramadol was so small it fell below the threshold of being clinically meaningful.
More concerning was the discovery of an elevated risk of serious adverse events. Participants taking tramadol showed a higher likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular issues, including chest pain, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. Experts noted that for many patients, the harms of the drug likely outweigh the benefits.
Despite these findings, some medical professionals urge a nuanced view. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, pointed out that the study did not compare tramadol to other "full-on opioids" and cautioned that some reported risks, like cancer or heart disease, could be misleading without controlling for underlying patient characteristics.
Additionally, health experts emphasize that patients should never stop taking tramadol abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Instead, clinicians and patients should engage in shared decision-making to weigh the drug's modest benefits against its documented risks.
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Keywords: Tramadol's limited effectiveness and risks
Tramadol's limited effectiveness and risks
