inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is monitoring the trend of abuse of the powerful drug tramadol, which is currently being widely discussed on social media.

"BNN is monitoring the trend of abuse of powerful drugs, including tramadol, because it has the potential to cause dependency," said BNN Head Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto on Thursday (3/12/2026).

He explained that tramadol is an analgesic or pain reliever that acts on the central nervous system and is a synthetic opioid. It is typically used to relieve moderate to severe pain, such as post-operative pain.

"Because it works on the central nervous system, this drug has the potential to cause dependency if used inappropriately," he said.

In Indonesia, he continued, tramadol is neither a narcotic nor a psychotropic. It is a prescription drug that can only be used with a doctor's prescription.

Furthermore, according to the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), tramadol is a Certain Drug (OOT) that is frequently abused, requiring stricter supervision.

He revealed that illegal distribution of this drug is still being discovered, such as sales without a doctor's prescription, illegal drug stores, sales through social media, and large-scale distribution to certain groups.

"This leads to tramadol being frequently abused to achieve a stimulant effect or mild euphoria," said the Head of BNN.

However, because tramadol is not a narcotic or psychotropic, primary oversight lies with the BPOM and the Ministry of Health, while the BNN is more focused on monitoring abuse trends.

"Because of its effects on the central nervous system (opioid) and the potential for dependence (euphoria), this drug is closely monitored by the BNN and BPOM," said the Head of the BNN.

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