![]() ![]() Prior to its United States (US) approval in 1995, tramadol was marketed in Europe for approximately 20 years with little evidence of misuse. The drug is known to be one of the most widely and potent prescription pain killers prescribed for long-term moderate to severe acute and chronic pain management. ![]() Marketed in Germany by Grunenthal from 1977 and expanded to the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Sweden in the 1990’s, tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic with weak μ-opioid agonist properties and inhibition of norepinephrine (NA) and serotonin reuptake. Based on the findings of the study and the dependence and addictive potentials of tramadol, there is the need for psychoeducational programmes for persons who misuse tramadol and enhancement of operational capacities of regulatory agencies. Non-medical purposes tramadol use was associated with a confluence of factors, ranging from enhanced sexual performance to economic reasons. Although participants indicated no plans for stopping their non-medical use of tramadol any time soon, strong willingness was voiced for supporting officials in finding and dealing with non-medical purpose tramadol sellers. Participants also reported three main inter-linking categories of perceived tramadol adverse effects: (1) physical (2) psychological and (3) social effects. Multiple motivations for non-medical purposes tramadol use were found including those related to: (1) sexual (2) psychological (3) physical and (4) economic factors. Using a thematic analytical approach, the interviews were coded and analysed. ![]() Data for the study were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews between June 2018 and March 2019. We conducted this exploratory qualitative study with 23 purposively selected commercial vehicle drivers (15) and assistants (8) in Kumasi, Ghana. Such an understanding could inform policy direction to regulate non-medical purposes tramadol use in Ghana. The aim of this study was to document the motivations for non-medical purposes tramadol use in Kumasi. However, literature on motivations for non-medical purpose tramadol use among commercial vehicle operators remains inadequate. The misuse of tramadol has become a major aspect of the wider substance use challenge in recent years and is evolving into a health crisis at an alarming rate. ![]()
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