BNN monitoring tramadol abuse trend

Jakarta — Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is monitoring the trend of tramadol abuse, which is currently being widely discussed on social media.

“BNN is monitoring the trend of hard drug abuse, including tramadol, because it has the potential to cause dependency,” said BNN Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto in Jakarta on Thursday.

He explained that tramadol is an analgesic or pain reliever that acts on the central nervous system and is classified as a synthetic opioid. It is typically used to eliminate moderate to severe pain, such as post-operative pain.

“Because it acts on the central nervous system, this drug has the potential to cause dependency if used contrary to medical regulations,” he said.

In Indonesia, he continued, tramadol is not classified as a narcotic or psychotropic substance. Its status is as a controlled pharmaceutical that may only be used with a doctor’s prescription.

Additionally, according to the Food and Drug Agency (BPOM), tramadol is classified as a Specified Drug (OOT) that is frequently misused, so its supervision has been tightened.

He revealed that illegal circulation of the drug continues to be found, such as sales without doctor’s prescriptions, unlicensed pharmacies, sales through social media, and distribution in large quantities to certain groups.

“This causes tramadol to be frequently misused to obtain stimulant effects or mild euphoria,” he said.

However, because tramadol is neither a narcotic nor a psychotropic substance, primary regulatory authority rests with the BPOM and Health Ministry, whilst BNN focuses more on monitoring abuse trends.

“Because of its effects on the central nervous system (opioid) and its potential to cause dependency (euphoria), this drug is strictly supervised by BNN and BPOM,” he said.