Pain Meds Linked to Hypoglycemia

A popular pain medication called Tramadol (Ultram) has been found to cause serious hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).  This adverse reaction is potentially fatal.  Tramadol is not a narcotic.  It is used in lieu of narcotics.  The study can be found in JAMA.  

JAMA Intern Med. Published online December 8, 2014.

The authors of the study wrote:  "The increased prescribing of tramadol most likely reflects aggressive marketing coupled with the perception that it is a safe analgesic not prone to abuse. Whereas the drug's analgesic effects are at best moderate, its toxic effects are dangerous and merit respect, particularly when doses are escalated."

Other adverse effects include seizures, serotonin syndrome, and drug interactions, as well as well-known opiate adverse effects, namely respiratory depression.

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