Use of Tramadol for Management of Opioid Use Disorders: Rationale and Recommendations

Opioids are one of the most common illicit psychoactive substances being used in India. In fact, opioid use disorders are the most common disorder presenting to the substance use disorder treatment centers across the country. Effective and evidence-based interventions are available for management of opioid use disorders. However, the treatment for opioid use disorders remains difficult to access for most of those in need in India. The current article presents the literature on the use of tramadol for the management of opioid use disorders. It also makes recommendations on the use of tramadol for the management of opioid use disorders. Tramadol offers a viable alternative to the existing options for the management of opioid use disorders. It has been found effective when used for this indication. It offers certain major advantages such as easy and wide availability and low abuse liability. It offers a good option to expand the treatment services for opioid use disorders across the country.