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Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Opioid analgesic (centrally-acting)
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Capsule, Tablet, Injection
- Price Range
- ₦300 - ₦5,000
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Tramadol is a controlled substance in Nigeria. It is regulated by NAFDAC and the NDLEA. Possession, sale, or distribution without proper authorization is illegal. Only use under medical supervision.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a centrally-acting opioid analgesic used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is a CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE in Nigeria, meaning it is strictly regulated by NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) and the NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency). Tramadol works differently from common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen — it acts on opioid receptors in the brain and also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, providing a dual mechanism of pain relief. While it is a legitimate and effective medication when used under proper medical supervision, tramadol has become one of the most widely abused drugs in Nigeria, creating a serious public health crisis.
In 2018, NAFDAC took the unprecedented step of banning the importation of tramadol preparations above 100mg strength into Nigeria, following widespread reports of abuse, particularly among young people in Northern Nigeria. Before this ban, high-dose tramadol capsules (120mg, 200mg, and even 225mg) were being illegally imported — mainly from India and China — and sold openly in markets and on the streets. The NDLEA has since seized hundreds of millions of Naira worth of illicit tramadol. Despite the regulatory crackdown, counterfeit and illegally imported high-dose tramadol remains a significant problem in parts of the country. It is critically important that Nigerians understand that tramadol is not a casual painkiller and should ONLY be used when prescribed by a qualified doctor.
Legitimate tramadol preparations (50mg and 100mg capsules, and 200mg sustained-release tablets from verified manufacturers) are available at licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription. These have genuine NAFDAC registration numbers and come from reputable manufacturers like May & Baker (Tramol) and Grunenthal (Tramal, Contramal). Any tramadol product without a NAFDAC number, or with a strength above 100mg in immediate-release form, should be considered suspect. The drug carries real risks of addiction, dependence, seizures, and fatal overdose, making it absolutely essential that it is only used under medical supervision and for the shortest possible duration.
What is Tramadol used for?
In Nigeria, Tramadol is commonly used for:
- Moderate to severe pain that does not respond adequately to non-opioid painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Post-surgical pain — used in hospitals after major operations when other painkillers are insufficient
- Cancer pain — an important part of pain management in cancer patients, often used as part of the WHO pain ladder
- Chronic pain conditions — including severe osteoarthritis pain, neuropathic pain, and chronic back pain, only under specialist supervision
- Acute pain episodes — such as fractures, severe burns, or renal colic when non-opioid options have failed
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
50mg to 100mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose is 400mg. For sustained-release (SR) tablets: 100mg to 200mg every 12 hours. Always start with the lowest effective dose. Treatment should be for the shortest possible duration. Dosage must be determined by a doctor based on the severity of pain and individual patient factors.
Children
Tramadol is NOT recommended for children under 12 years of age. For adolescents aged 12-18 years, tramadol should only be used under specialist paediatric supervision at the lowest effective dose. It should not be used in children or adolescents after removal of tonsils or adenoids (tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy).
Elderly
Elderly patients (over 65 years) should start with lower doses (25mg to 50mg) due to increased sensitivity to opioid effects, reduced kidney function, and higher risk of falls and confusion. Maximum dose in elderly patients over 75 years should generally not exceed 300mg per day. Dose adjustments may be needed based on kidney and liver function.
Tramadol MUST be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Do not stop tramadol suddenly after prolonged use as this can cause withdrawal symptoms — your doctor will gradually reduce the dose. Tramadol can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or chew sustained-release tablets — swallow whole. Never share your tramadol medication with anyone else. Report any signs of dependence (needing higher doses, craving the drug, anxiety about running out) to your doctor immediately.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Nausea and vomiting — very common, especially when first starting tramadol
- •Dizziness and drowsiness — do not drive or operate machinery while taking tramadol
- •Constipation — a very common opioid side effect, may need management with dietary changes or laxatives
- •Headache
- •Sweating
- •Dry mouth
- •Fatigue and weakness
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Seizures (fits) — tramadol lowers the seizure threshold, and this risk increases with higher doses, especially above 400mg per day. This is a critical concern given the abuse of high-dose tramadol in Nigeria
- Respiratory depression — dangerously slowed breathing, which can be fatal, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives
- Serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening condition when tramadol is combined with other serotonergic drugs, causing agitation, high fever, rapid heartbeat, and muscle rigidity
- Physical dependence and addiction — the body becomes reliant on tramadol with regular use, leading to withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, sweating, tremors, insomnia, diarrhoea) when stopped
- Psychological dependence — compulsive drug-seeking behaviour and inability to stop using despite harmful consequences
- Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis
- Adrenal insufficiency with prolonged use
- Fatal overdose — especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids
When to see a doctor
Seek EMERGENCY medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences very slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up, seizures (fits), confusion or unusual behaviour, bluish lips or fingernails, or loss of consciousness after taking tramadol. These are signs of a life-threatening overdose. Also see a doctor if you experience severe nausea and vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking, signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, muscle stiffness), or if you find yourself needing to take more tramadol than prescribed to achieve the same effect (tolerance). If you suspect someone has overdosed on tramadol, call for emergency help immediately and do not leave them alone.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Tramadol if you have:
- Do not take without a valid prescription from a qualified doctor
- Do not take if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy — tramadol significantly increases seizure risk
- Do not take if you are currently intoxicated with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids
- Do not take if you have severe breathing problems, severe asthma, or respiratory depression
- Do not take if you have a known allergy to tramadol or other opioids
- Do not take if you are currently taking or have recently taken MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant)
- Do not take if you have severe liver or kidney disease without dose adjustment by a doctor
- Do not give to children under 12 years of age
- Do not use for mild pain that can be managed with paracetamol or ibuprofen
Drug interactions
- •Alcohol — EXTREMELY DANGEROUS combination that can cause fatal respiratory depression, sedation, and coma. Never drink alcohol while taking tramadol
- •Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam) — combining with tramadol significantly increases the risk of fatal respiratory depression
- •Other opioids (e.g., codeine, morphine) — additive effects increase overdose risk
- •SSRIs and SNRIs (antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine) — risk of life-threatening serotonin syndrome
- •MAO inhibitors — absolutely contraindicated; can cause fatal reactions
- •Carbamazepine — reduces the effectiveness of tramadol and may reduce pain relief
- •Warfarin — tramadol may increase the anticoagulant effect and risk of bleeding
- •Sedating antihistamines and sleeping pills — increased drowsiness and respiratory depression
- •Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) — increased seizure risk and potential serotonin syndrome
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tramadol should NOT be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and only under strict medical supervision. Prolonged use during pregnancy can cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome in the newborn baby — the baby may experience tremors, irritability, excessive crying, feeding difficulties, and even seizures after birth. Tramadol passes into breast milk and should NOT be used during breastfeeding as it can cause sedation and breathing problems in the nursing infant. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use paracetamol for pain relief, or consult their obstetrician for safer alternatives to manage moderate to severe pain.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Tramadol in Nigeria
3 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tramol | May & Baker | 50mg, 100mg | Capsule | A4-8901 |
| Tramal | Grunenthal | 50mg, 100mg | Capsule | A4-0901 |
| Contramal | Grunenthal | 200mg SR | Tablet | A4-0902 |
How to Verify Your Tramadol is Genuine
- 1CRITICAL: Only obtain tramadol with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Any source selling tramadol without a prescription is operating illegally
- 2Check the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all legitimate tramadol products in Nigeria must be NAFDAC-registered
- 3Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC online verification system or mobile app
- 4Be extremely suspicious of any tramadol product with a strength above 100mg in immediate-release form — following the 2018 ban, legitimate immediate-release tramadol in Nigeria should not exceed 100mg per capsule
- 5Purchase ONLY from licensed pharmacies — never buy tramadol from open markets, roadside vendors, bus conductors, or unregistered shops
- 6Check the manufacturer details — legitimate brands include Tramol (May & Baker, Nigeria), Tramal (Grunenthal, Germany), and Contramal (Grunenthal, Germany). Be wary of unfamiliar brands, especially those from India or China without clear NAFDAC registration
- 7Report any suspected counterfeit or illegally sold tramadol to NAFDAC (through their hotline or website) or your nearest NDLEA office
- 8Inspect packaging carefully for poor quality printing, spelling errors, missing batch numbers, or tampered seals — these are common signs of counterfeit drugs
Tramadol Price in Nigeria
Tramadol prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦300 to ₦5,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦300 – ₦5,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Tramadol only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines