Is Tramadol a Controlled Substance? What’s Its Drug Class?

Tramadol is a medication that is only available by prescription, which means that it is a controlled substance.[1]

The U.S. uses a drug classification system to categorize medications according to the level of risk associated with their use. Those that have the potential to cause overdose, or that have a high misuse and addiction risk, come with more regulations regarding their prescription and use. 

Tramadol is classified as Schedule IV medication, which indicates that it has some potential for harm to the user if taken without a prescription or used in a way that is not consistent with a doctor’s orders. 

What Drug Class Is Tramadol?

A drug class is the term used to define the different levels of classification of prescription medications. Different classifications denote different levels of risk of taking the medication and indicate the legality of a medication’s use and sale in some cases as well. 

Tramadol has some opioid mechanisms. It binds to the opioid receptor in the brain in order to limit the experience of pain in the user like other painkillers, such as oxycodone or morphine.[2] 

While opioid medications can be classified in several different schedules, tramadol is designated as a Schedule IV medication. This is because it also has some non-opioid action and is considered to be a milder opioid. As a result, it is deemed somewhat therefore less addictive and dangerous than some of its other opioid cousins.

Understanding Tramadol Schedule IV Classifier

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency designed this classification system for medications to make it easier for doctors and pharmacists to determine which drugs are appropriate for use in different situations. This system has five different schedules, each one denoting an increasing likelihood that someone who misuses the drug may develop an addiction or potentially experience an overdose.[3]

These are the different schedules:[3]

Schedule I

Schedule I drugs are the most tightly controlled and are not legal for any purpose. They are not prescribed for any medical reason. Those caught cultivating, processing, possessing, selling, or using these substances will be prosecuted. 

Examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, MDMA (ecstasy or Molly) and LSD. 

Schedule II

Schedule II drugs may be prescribed for medical use but have a high likelihood of diversion. These drugs are sold on the street as well as legally for medical use, but they are likely to be misused and to contribute to the development of an addiction or overdose.

Some examples of drugs classified as Schedule II substances include cocaine, methadone and opioids that contain fewer than 15 mg of hydrocodone per dose, such as Vicodin.[3] 

Schedule III

This classification of medications is for drugs that have some potential for misuse, addiction, or overdose, but the risk has been deemed to be less of an issue compared to medications that are classified as Schedule II drugs. 

Examples of Schedule III drugs include ketamine, steroids and drugs that have fewer than 90 mg of codeine per dose, like Tylenol with codeine.

Schedule IV

Schedule IV drugs may be misused to some degree, but the risk is deemed to be relatively low compared to Schedule II or Schedule III drugs. 

Examples of Schedule IV substances include Valium, Xanax and tramadol. 

Schedule V

Schedule V drugs have the lowest risk of misuse or addiction among users. They are generally prescribed to manage issues related to the gastrointestinal system, cough or other simple system ailments. 

Some Schedule V drugs include Lyrica and drugs prescribed to treat cough that contain less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 ml. 

Schedule IV Restrictions 

Different Schedule IV substances come with different penalties for misuse. Even possessing these substances without a verifiable prescription can mean jail time and fines. 

For example, getting caught with any amount of any Schedule IV drug (other than flunitrazepam) without a prescription can result in up to five years in jail and up to $250,000 in fines for an individual or $1 million in fines for a group or corporation on a first offense for a trafficking charge. A second offense can mean up to 10 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines for an individual and $2 million for multiple people.[4] 

Such strict penalties are designed to discourage people from misusing these substances, but every state is different. The details of the penalties and amounts can vary from state to state. 

When Did Tramadol Become a Controlled Substance?

Tramadol was first created by a German company in 1962. It was marketed under the name tramadol and prescribed to treat pain.[5] It wasn’t available in the U.S. until 1995, where it is now also sold as Ultram and Ultracet. 

In July 2014, it became a controlled substance as per the scheduling classification system designed by the DEA.[6]

Finding Help for Tramadol Addiction 

Tramadol misuse and OUD can be as devastating as addiction to any substance. Because it is an opioid, attempting to detox alone can be extremely difficult, potentially triggering severe medical complications.[7] 

Reach out to us here at Bicycle Health to learn how our Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) with Suboxone can help you change your life. You can safely stop misusing tramadol and all other opioids. You can get started with our telehealth services today.