Tramadol, long promoted as a “safer” opioid, may carry serious hidden risks. A Danish meta-analysis of 19 trials found its pain relief to be clinically insignificant while doubling the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and heart failure. The drug is also linked to seizures, organ damage, addiction, and higher mortality in some cases. Researchers now warn that tramadol’s harms likely outweigh its benefits and urge a shift toward non-opioid pain treatments.
Study links widely prescribed opioid to increased risk of deadly heart conditions
