Severe tramadol addiction in a 61 year-old woman without a history of substance abuse

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2008 Apr-Jun;21(2):475-6. doi: 10.1177/039463200802100230.

Abstract

We describe here the first case of Tramadol addiction and withdrawal in an elderly female patient in apparently good physical health. We report successful treatment with mirtazapine and clonidine. We believe that patients must be advised to take Tramadol regularly and to stop gradually especially after long treatment periods; moreover physicians must consider the potential physical dependence when they prescribe Tramadol for pain. Hence, we are observing some patients who continue to take Tramadol in order to achieve a feeling of well-being, even though their pain is controlled after disease regression. Finally, the establishing of an evidence-based Tramadol detoxification protocol would be highly desirable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Tramadol / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Tramadol