As holiday travel ramps up and people push through lingering aches and joint pain, a new analysis is raising questions about one of the most widely prescribed painkillers in the U.S. Researchers reviewing nearly two dozen clinical trials found that tramadol, often viewed as a “safer” opioid option, provided only minimal relief for chronic pain — and was linked to a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events.
The review analyzed data from 19 randomized trials involving more than 6,500 adults with conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia and nerve pain. The findings showed tramadol reduced pain slightly compared with placebo, but not enough to meet the threshold typically considered clinically meaningful.
At the same time, participants taking tramadol were more likely to experience adverse effects, including heart-related complications such as chest pain, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.
The authors noted that most trials were short, lasting only a few weeks, meaning long-term risks may be underestimated. Still, the analysis adds to growing concerns that tramadol’s benefits may not justify its risks for chronic pain treatment. Health experts caution that people should not stop taking tramadol suddenly due to withdrawal, and anyone considering a change should speak with a medical professional about safer pain-management options.
SOURCE:
Fox News, December 25, 2025