The world looks different today than in August 2020. Hunkered down, some of us took the time to look into the evidence on opioid analgesic Tramadol.
I did a practicum with the Therapeutics Initiative University of British Columbia, and we combed through the scientific literature to see if a pain medication Tramadol works.
The lead author, Dr Otte, recently emailed me that there was a scientific paper about our work coming up in the next issue of the journal Canadian Family Physician.
So, here we go, the Tramadol blasted from the past in September 2025. With or without acetaminophen, the drug: “did not differ significantly from other opioids, and was less effective and more poorly tolerated than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”
As a recently re-licensed clinician, I look at these results with interest and appreciation. Many of my clients live with chronic pain conditions that complicate treatment of concurrent post-traumatic stress.
While this study does not come with a miracle painkiller that would have no side effects and perfect effectiveness, its really good to know that people would be better off not taking it long term.
Scientific studies sometimes take years to find their way to the readers. Some of them never make it due to their negative findings that are extremely hard to publish. Thankfully, this one made it through and I am grateful for the opportunity to have played my part in this work during its inception and data gathering stages.
One only wishes there was a safer analgesic alternative.
Cited study: Otte, J. A., Chu, G., Heran, B., & Bassett, K. (2025). Tramadol (with or without acetaminophen) efficacy and harm. Systematic review and meta-analysis, 71(9), 574-581. https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.7109574
If you liked this post, you might also want to read a post about opioid prescribing letters: https://janklimas.com/feedback-on-opioid-prescribing/