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A commonly used pain medication called tramadol might not be as safe or effective as many thought, based on a new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. This study indicates that even though tramadol is often given to alleviate pain, it shows limited effectiveness and could greatly raise the risk of heart problems, especially with long-term use. Experts warn that the potential risks may be greater than the advantages for many individuals. The researchers examined 19 clinical trials involving 6,506 participants, averaging 58 years old, who took tramadol tablets for a duration of 2 to 16 weeks to manage chronic pain from issues like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, nerve injuries, and lower back pain. The findings revealed that tramadol only provided slight relief from pain, not enough to be considered clinically significant. More concerning, users faced a doubled risk of serious side effects compared to those who received a placebo, primarily due to heightened heart-related issues such as chest pain, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.

Some common mild side effects included feelings of nausea, dizziness, constipation, and tiredness. Overall, the risks to heart health from tramadol may overshadow its limited benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 51.6 million adults in the United States, which is roughly one out of five, experience chronic pain. For 17.1 million of these individuals, the pain greatly affects their work or daily activities. Tramadol has been frequently prescribed to help manage this pain, with 16 million prescriptions issued for the short-acting opioid in 2023 alone. Although it is often seen as a safer choice compared to stronger opioids, with fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction, recent studies indicate that patients might need to think again about using tramadol and look for better alternatives.