Don't Think of Tramadol as a "Safer" Opioid

The shift away from strong opioids will continue to raise questions about the safety and efficacy of tramadol.

This weak opioid with SNRI effects is often thought of as "safer" than strong opioids (oxycodone, etc).

But tramadol has the same warnings about dependence, abuse, and misuse as other opioids. Plus tramadol poses other risks...such as seizures, serotonin syndrome, and hyponatremia.