Painkiller Tramadol Should Be Contolled According To Experts

Abuse of the prescription painkiller tramadol is becoming more prevalent in the region; however, it currently does not appear on the controlled substances list. Experts are pushing to get tramadol on that list. In West Virginia, lawmakers were considering adding it to the list of prescription drugs monitored for misuse, but the proposal died in committees. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review online, "tramadol, an analgesic marketed under the trade name Ultram or Ultracet, is known on the street as 'chill pills' or 'ultras.' It can be addictive and produces a morphine-like high..." Most doctors assume it's safe, but the number of emergency room visits due to tramadol abuse shows that this drug is anything but that. In 2004 there were 4,952 visits and that number rose to 13,568 in 2008, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The DEA is currently collecting information to determine if tramadol should be put on the federal drug controlled substances list. With pill or "pharm" parties becoming more of a trend amongst teenagers, the country is witnessing a huge increase in prescription drug abuse. If you have questions or concerns about tramadol abuse in your area, contact your local law enforcement agency or lawmakers.