Meta Information
ID:tramadol
Name:Tramadol
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- Ultram
- ConZip
Active Compound
tramadol
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
- us:rx_drug
- eu:rx_drug
- us:schedule_iv_controlled_substance
Indication
Focus:
symptom_management
Description:
Management of moderate to moderately severe pain in adults where an opioid analgesic is appropriate.
Typical Protocol
- Immediate-release formulations are typically dosed at 50-100 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
- Extended-release formulations are typically started at 100 mg once daily and titrated under medical supervision.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
10
High Cost:
30
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Cost for generic versions, often covered by insurance for approved indications.
Summary
Tramadol is a centrally-acting synthetic opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain. It functions by binding to mu-opioid receptors and weakly inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. It has no established role in promoting healthspan and its long-term use carries significant risks, including dependence and cognitive side effects, which are counterproductive to healthy aging.
Purpose
A synthetic opioid analgesic for managing moderate pain.
Card Summary
A prescription opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain, with no role in healthspan and a high potential for dependence and adverse effects.
Drug Class
opioid_analgesic
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
1
Justification:
No evidence for healthspan benefits; significant risks detract from healthy aging.
Evidence
Grade:
D
Score:
1
Justification:
No studies exist for healthspan; used exclusively for pain management.
Safety
Score:
7.8
Justification:
High risk of dependence, addiction, seizures, and serotonin syndrome; a controlled substance.
Flags
- High potential for physical dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Risk of life-threatening serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs).
- Lowers the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures.
- Overdose can cause respiratory depression, which may be fatal.
- Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, constipation, and drowsiness, impairing function.
- Should not be combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
Verdict
Avoid for healthspan; a high-risk opioid for pain management only.
Created
2026-04-30T01:28:13.216946Z
Ai Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)
Non Healthspan
True