New Delhi, Dec. 26 -- New research suggests that popular and widely prescribed painkiller tramadol may not be as effective as you may think. An analysis of the available research claimed that tramadol is not that effective at easing chronic pain and likely increases the risk of serious side effects.

The analysis prompted the researchers to conclude that "the potential harms of tramadol probably outweigh its benefits." It also suggested that tramadol's use should be minimised.

The study was published in the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine in October 2025.

Tramadol, often seen as a "safer" painkiller, is a dual-action opioid widely prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain (after an operation or a serious inju...