Is Tramadol a Controlled Substance in Canada?

Quick answer

Tramadol is a controlled substance and narcotic in Canada. Health Canada added tramadol to Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to the Narcotic Control Regulations on March 31, 2022. Tramadol remains available by prescription, but verbal prescriptions and refills are no longer permitted.

What is tramadol?

If you've been prescribed tramadol and noticed that there are specific rules around getting it, its classification as a controlled substance is the reason.

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic that has been marketed in Canada since 2005. It is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and is available by prescription. Health Canada added Tradamol to the federal controlled-substance and narcotic schedules in 2022. 

The change did not make tramadol unavailable in Canada. Instead, it introduced additional safeguards around how the medication is prescribed and dispensed.

Is tramadol a controlled substance and narcotic in Canada?

Yes. Tramadol is classified as both a controlled substance and a narcotic in Canada.

The Narcotic Control Regulations include tramadol in the schedule of controlled substances. 

When did tramadol become a controlled substance in Canada?

Tramadol became a controlled substance and narcotic in Canada on March 31, 2022.

Health Canada published the regulatory change in the Canada Gazette in 2021. The amendment came into effect one year later, on March 31, 2022. 

Because the change was made through federal legislation and regulations, it applies to tramadol's controlled-substance status across Canada.

Why was tramadol made a controlled substance?

Health Canada changed tramadol's regulatory status to provide additional safeguards around its use, including measures intended to help prevent problematic substance use and other harms, while protecting access for patients who need the medication. 

Health Canada notes that tramadol has the potential for problematic use and that chronic use can lead to tolerance and dependence. It also states that tramadol can cause harmful adverse effects that may be fatal in some cases. 

Between 2006 and 2017, tramadol was suspected to have contributed to 18 reported deaths in Canada, according to Health Canada. 

The decision was therefore intended to introduce additional oversight while continuing to allow access to tramadol for patients who require it.

What changed when tramadol became a controlled substance?

The regulatory change introduced additional requirements for tramadol prescriptions in Canada.

For patients, two important changes are:

• Verbal prescriptions are no longer permitted.
• Refills are no longer permitted.

Health Canada states that patients can continue to obtain tramadol from a practitioner through a written prescription. Patients who previously obtained tramadol through a verbal prescription or with refills need to see their doctor to be reassessed and to determine whether continued treatment and a new prescription are appropriate. 

If you currently take tramadol and your prescription is running out, contact your prescribing practitioner or pharmacist ahead of time so you understand what is required.

Can you get a tramadol refill in Canada?

No. Refills are not permitted for tramadol products marketed in Canada.

Health Canada states that patients who would otherwise have obtained tramadol with refills need to see their doctor for reassessment. If continued treatment is appropriate, the patient can receive a new prescription.

This is an important difference between tramadol and medications that can be dispensed with authorized refills.

If you are approaching the end of your tramadol prescription, plan ahead and speak with your prescribing practitioner about what you need to do next.

What should you do if you take tramadol?

If you currently take tramadol, follow the instructions provided by your practitioner and pharmacist.

Because tramadol is a controlled substance in Canada, you should plan ahead when your prescription is approaching its end. You cannot rely on a routine refill, and verbal prescriptions are not permitted.

Do not change how you take tramadol or stop taking it without speaking with your practitioner. If you have questions about your prescription, a pharmacist can explain the dispensing requirements and help you understand your options.

When should you speak with a healthcare practitioner?

Speak with a healthcare practitioner if you have questions about your tramadol prescription, are experiencing concerning symptoms or are unsure whether your current treatment remains appropriate. A practitioner can review your health history, assess your needs and determine whether any changes are necessary.

You should also speak with a pharmacist if you have questions about how your prescription is dispensed or how tramadol may interact with other medications or health products you take.

If you experience a severe or unexpected reaction, seek appropriate medical attention rather than changing your medication on your own.

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Frequently asked questions

Is tramadol a controlled substance in Canada?

Yes. Tramadol is a controlled substance and narcotic in Canada. It was added to Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Narcotic Control Regulations on March 31, 2022. Tramadol remains available by prescription for patients who need it. 

Is tramadol a narcotic in Canada?

Yes. Tramadol is classified as a narcotic under Canada's federal regulations and is included in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The change took effect on March 31, 2022. 

Can you get a refill for tramadol in Canada?

No. Refills are not permitted for tramadol products marketed in Canada. If continued treatment is appropriate, patients who need more tramadol must speak with their practitioner about obtaining a new prescription. 

Can a doctor prescribe tramadol verbally in Canada?

No. Verbal prescriptions are not permitted for tramadol products marketed in Canada. Since March 31, 2022, patients need a written prescription to obtain tramadol. 

Why was tramadol made a controlled substance in Canada?

Health Canada added tramadol to the federal controlled-substance and narcotic schedules to provide additional safeguards around its use and help prevent problematic substance use and other harms while maintaining access for patients who need the medication. 

Managing your prescription with Pocketpills

If you have a valid prescription, you can use Pocketpills' online pharmacy to access pharmacy services from home. Pocketpills provides access to pharmacists who can answer medication-related questions and help you understand your prescription and pharmacy options.