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Professor Jack Crane, state pathologist from Northern Ireland, recently issued a serious warning to the public and the professional community. It concerns one commonly prescribed drug that thousands of people use every day.
As he says, this drug is responsible for more lives than any other drug, including drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
Why is tramadol dangerous?
Tramadol (tramadol hydrochloride) is the name of the active substance contained in several prescription medicines indicated for pain relief.
If taken correctly, it should not pose a problem.
However, the situation changes dramatically if it is knowingly or unknowingly mixed with other medicines or alcohol.
Last year alone in Northern Ireland it claimed 33 lives. Among them were a 16-year-old girl and a 70-year-old pensioner.
As Professor Crane states: “Many patients do not realise how risky taking tramadol is. I think it’s because it’s a prescription medicine and people therefore think it is safe.”
What is tramadol?
Tramadol is a type of opioid used to suppress moderate to severe pain. It should be taken strictly by prescription.
The problem is that some patients suffering from pain obtain it on the black market and take it at their own discretion without a prescription.
Professor Crane fears that if nothing is done about it, more people will die unnecessarily.
He therefore calls for tighter control of the distribution of this medicine.
Which medicines contain the active substance tramadol?
Tramadol is the name of the active substance. Some medicines even include the word in their name.
However, other medicines have trade names in which the word “tramadol” does not appear directly.
Therefore, if you take any prescription painkillers, it is important to check the box to see which active substance they contain.
If you find tramadol there, be careful when using it. Never take it together with other medicines and never consume alcohol with it.
