The journal “Reactions Weekly” has reported that the Swedish Medical Products Agency has announced that tramadol withdrawal reactions may be a bigger problem than previously thought. The report states that the Swedish adverse reactions database (SWEDIS) contains 71 reports of abstinence/withdrawal symptoms with tramadol, 25 of which were also classed as dependence, habituation or increased tolerance. The treatment duration in the reports ranged from 1 week to more than 3 years, at dosages of 50-2999mg, showing that withdrawal symptoms have been reported in low/normal doses, and after treatment periods of <6 months.

Based on this, the Swedish Medical Products Agency has reminded physicians of the potential for withdrawal reactions and/or the risk of dependency with tramadol.