BMJ : British medical journal
-
To determine the risk of prolonged opioid use in patients receiving tramadol compared with other short acting opioids. ⋯ People receiving tramadol alone after surgery had similar to somewhat higher risks of prolonged opioid use compared with those receiving other short acting opioids. Federal governing bodies should consider reclassifying tramadol, and providers should use as much caution when prescribing tramadol in the setting of acute pain as for other short acting opioids.