The Dangers of Tramadol Abuse Can Trigger Dependence to Tremor

JAKARTA - The abuse of the painkiller tramadol has again become a concern after reports of alleged free sale of the drug in a number of places. In fact, tramadol is a hard drug that should only be used with a prescription and supervision of a doctor because it is at risk of causing dependence and serious side effects for health.

Professor and Consultant Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Department of Internal Medicine FKUI-RSCM, Prof. Dr. dr. Ari Fahrial Syam, Sp.PD-KGEH, MMB, FINASIM, FACP, FACG, explained that tramadol is a drug that is generally prescribed by doctors to relieve mild to moderate pain. In medical practice, this drug is often combined with paracetamol to increase its effectiveness.

According to Ari, tramadol is categorized as a hard drug because it has the potential to cause dependence if used improperly.

"Tramadol is a hard drug because it is often abused and can cause addiction or dependence. If the patient is addicted, he will ask for this drug to continue and will have difficulty sleeping, restlessness, muscle pain, and tremors," said Ari as quoted by ANTARA.

Drug abuse often occurs because of certain effects felt by some users. Some people feel their bodies are fresher, energy increases, mood improves, and confidence increases after consuming it.

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Ari explained that the sensation arises because tramadol works to reduce pain or discomfort in the body. However, this condition actually makes some people use this drug not for medical needs, but rather to obtain certain effects.

If the use is carried out continuously without the supervision of a doctor, the risk of dependence will be greater. In the case of addiction, a person will usually continue to look for the drug and experience various complaints when not consuming it.

"This includes hard drugs and must be prescribed by a doctor. So it shouldn't be sold freely," said Ari.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) on Tuesday (10/3) stated that it was investigating the alleged sale of tramadol freely and confirmed that it would take firm action against the practice of abusing the drug.

This step was taken after a viral video circulated on social media showing a number of shops in East Jakarta being pelted with firecrackers by residents for allegedly selling tramadol without a permit.