Masui. The Japanese journal of anesthesiology
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Tramadol hydrochloride is a centrally acting analgesic agent with two distinct mechanisms of action, a weak opioid agonist and an inhibitor of monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake, which produces significant analgesic effect synergistically. Though tramadol was approved in 1978 in Japan, it has rarely been used in clinical settings compared to foreign countries, e.g. Germany and USA. The aim of this study is to investigate effectiveness of oral tramadol for chronic non-malignant pain in Japan. ⋯ Tramadol is a useful option to treat non-malignant chronic pain, especially considering its very low abuse potential and a more acceptable side effect profile compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids.