What is tramadol and when is it prescribed
Tramadol is a prescription-only medication that is being widely used all over the world and at the time it was introduced to Sri Lanka about 15 years ago, there was “no abuse potential” indicated, said Laal Jayakody, former Professor of Pharmacology at the Colombo Medical Faculty.
Usually, tramadol is prescribed to help relieve ‘moderate’ to ‘severe’ pain. It has properties similar to opioid (narcotic) analgesics (painkillers) and works in the nervous system to change how a person feels and responds to pain, he said.
Pointing out that unlike addictive medications such as pethidine and morphine which are in Schedule III of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) classification, tramadol is under Schedule II B. This is because when it was introduced to the country there were no indications of “abuse potential”. (Medications listed under Schedule I do not need a pharmacy licence to store or sell, while those under Schedule II and III need a pharmacy licence. Under Schedule II A, meanwhile, are medicines which can be bought overthe-counter without a prescription and under II B fall prescription- only medicines.)
In current times, though, when the authorities are cracking down on narcotics, it may be that groups using those substances or are addicted to them are switching to tramadol, said Prof. Jayakody, stressing that tramadol is a pharmacologically important medication.
He explained that the “abuse” potential in tramadol will hinge on the physiological and psychological dependence of the user, with the user getting a pleasurable sensation or “a high” or “a kick”. With it may come a gradual craving. Some young people may resort to experimentation with tramadol and other similar medications which they can lay their hands on illegally.
Referring to adverse effects, Prof. Jayakody added that they include headache, weakness, sweating, sleep disorders, dyspepsia (gastric issues), stimulation of the central nervous system, difficulty in concentrating and depression.