Tramadol Misuse Can Cause Anxiety and Tremors, Health Experts Warn

Jakarta — Misuse of the pain relief medication tramadol can cause serious health effects, ranging from anxiety to tremors, prompting health experts to urge the public not to consume the drug without medical supervision.

Prof. Dr. Ari Fahrial Syam, Professor and Consultant of Gastroenterology Hepatology at the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, stated that tramadol is a medication used by doctors to alleviate mild to moderate pain and is often combined with paracetamol. The drug is classified as a restricted medication because of its potential to cause addiction.

“Tramadol is a restricted drug because it is frequently misused and can cause addiction or dependence. Once addicted, patients will continue requesting the drug and will experience insomnia, anxiety, muscle pain and tremors,” Ari said when contacted by ANTARA from Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to Ari, these effects emerge because tramadol is capable of reducing pain or discomfort in the body. As a result, some people consume the drug not for medical purposes, but to obtain a particular sensation.

If usage continues without medical supervision, the risk of dependence can emerge. Once experiencing addiction, patients typically continue seeking the drug and experience various symptoms when they do not consume it.

“This (tramadol) is a restricted drug and must be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. It must have a doctor’s prescription. Therefore, it cannot be sold freely,” Ari emphasised.

The Indonesian Drug and Food Authority (BPOM) stated on Tuesday (10 March) that it was investigating allegations of free-market tramadol sales and would take strict action against misuse of the drug.

A video that went viral on social media reported that several shops in East Jakarta were pelted with firecrackers by residents because they were allegedly selling tramadol freely.