Examining the Effects of Tramadol, on the WADA Prohibited List, on Sports Performance

Tramadol and WADA Banning Process

Authors

  • Cemre Acar Halıcı Institute of Health Sciences, Gazi University Sports Pharmacy Program, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Aysun Hacışevki Institute of Health Sciences, Gazi University Sports Pharmacy Program, Ankara, Türkiye

Keywords:

Doping, sports pharmacy, opioid analgesic, WADA monitoring program, pain, performance enhancer

Abstract

Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List in 2024. Tramadol has been widely used by athletes in recent years to manage sports-related pain. Its intensive use, particularly in certain sports, has raised suspicions that it is being used as a doping agent. Its potential to impair sports performance, its cognitive side-effect profile, and its potential for abuse have been investigated in several studies. This study reviewed the literature on tramadol and its effects on sports performance and explained the WADA banning process. In reviewing the literature, although studies show that tramadol does not affect performance, WADA has banned its use in competition in light of the studies showing its effect on performance.

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Published

09.01.2025

Issue

Section

Literature Review With Cases