Tramadol and mental health: A systematic review of case reports describing psychological side-effects.

This systematic review focuses on the psychological side effects induced by tramadol, a synthetic opioid used for moderate to severe pain management. Analyzing multiple case reports, the review identifies tramadol-associated adverse effects including manic and hypomanic episodes, serotonin syndrome, psychosis, and cognitive impairments, with heightened risk among elderly patients and those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions or polydrug use. The findings emphasize the need for cautious prescribing and close monitoring of vulnerable populations to mitigate these risks. Limitations include reliance on case reports and potential publication bias, highlighting the necessity for further longitudinal and controlled studies to clarify tramadol’s psychological impact and inform safer clinical use.