The FDA approved painkiller Tramadol, a painkiller prescribed to millions of patients every year has been found to cause more deaths than streets drugs Heroine and cocaine combined.
The strong pain killer is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world according to Northern Ireland’s top pathologist, Jack Crane.
The prescription drug has been reported to have killed 33 people in Northern Ireland alone last year.
It’s not just painkillers that are causing deaths, anti-anxiety drugs have also been in the firing line for causing deaths, most notably Chris Cornell, who was said to have been taking FDA approved prescription drugs before his death.
According to Thehealthawareness.com: Last year, 33 deaths in Northern Ireland were linked to tramadol. Among them were a 16-year-old girl and a pensioner in his 70s.
I don’t think that people realise how potentially risky taking tramadol is.I think it’s because it’s a prescription drug – people assume it’s safe. – PROFESSOR JACK CRANE, STATE PATHOLOGIST FOR NI
The opiate-based drug used to treat moderate or severe pain should only be available on prescription – it was reclassified in 2014 making it an illegal Class C drug without prescription.But anti-drug campaigners say more and more people are turning to the black market.
Professor Jack Crane has spoken out to say he fears more people will die unless urgent action is taken and he is calling for a crackdown on the illegal market.
He wants tramadol to be upgraded again, this time to Class A.
Professor Crane is now set to meet Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer later this month to push for change.
