May 25, 2010  - Ortho-McNeil-Janssen and the FDA notified healthcare professionals of changes to the Warnings section of the prescribing information for tramadol, a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe chronic pain.  The Warnings are being strengthened to emphasize the rise of suicide for patients who are addiction-prone, taking tranquilizers or antidepressant drugs and also to warn of the risk of over dosage. 

Tramadol-related deaths have occurred in patients with previous histories of emotional disturbances or suicidal ideation or attempts, as well as histories of misuse of tranquilizers, alcohol, and other CNS-active drugs.  Tramadol may be expected to have additive effects when used in conjunction with alcohol, other opioids or illicit drugs that cause central nervous system depression.  Serious potential consequences of over dosage with tramadol are central nervous system depression, respiratory depression and death.  Tramadol has mu-opioid agonist activity; can be abused and may be subject to criminal diversion. 

For more information:  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm213264.htm