Potential for Tramadol Abuse by Patients Visiting Pharmacies in Northern Iran:

Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment

EbrahimZabihi¹ 

关键词: tramadol;    drug abuse;    addiction;    pharmacy;    Iran;   

DOI  :  10.4137/SART.S6174

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: Sage Journals

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundIt has been almost three decades since tramadol was introduced to the market as a centrally acting analgesic. It is claimed to have weak opioid properties and a low dependence potential in opioid-addicted patients. This study was designed to investigate the suspicion of potential tramadol abuse among patients visiting pharmacies in Babol, one of the major cities in northern Iran.MethodsUnder supervision by pharmacists, a questionnaire designed to monitor drug abuse was filled out for every patient who requested tramadol from Babol's pharmacies during 6 months (Aug. 2007 till Feb. 2008). The data obtained were used to derive descriptive statistics and to make a comparison with results from other countries.ResultsOf 162 patients (or someone on their behalf) who had sought tramadol from a pharmacy, 92 (56%) patients did not have a prescription. At least 103 (64%) patients reported criteria for addiction (ie, for feeling of psychological well being, unable to cease taking the drug, more than two wee...

【 授权许可】

CC BY