A Review on Complications of Tramadol Overdose

Background & Aim Tramadol is an opioid analgesic used to treat pains. With a statistic of up to 50%, this substance is considered the first cause of death due to drug poisoning. Investigating the prevalence of tramadol poisoning plays an essential role in providing a suitable context for the authorities to take the necessary decisions to reduce the use of this drug. This review study explores the side effects of tramadol overdose. Materials & Methods The present study is a review study. The search was performed by using keywords such as tramadol, poisoning, overdose, and tramadol complications in Persian and English in reliable databases such as PubMed, Wiley, Elsevier, Science Direct, and SID from 2000 to 2019. Discussion & Conclusions In general, according to the findings of most studies, tramadol is the most complicated opioid drug and due to its prevalence among young people with low education level, it is necessary that the physician and pharmacist colleagues carefully prescribe and sell this drug. In addition, increasing awareness about its potentially dangerous side effects and precise monitoring of the distribution of this drug is mandatory. Tramadol poisoning and overdose can cause a reduction of the activity of the central nervous system, respiratory system, tachycardia, seizures, and hypertension. The narcotic effect and the inhibitory effect of reabsorption of monoamines are possible methods for the action of tramadol.