A call to develop tramadol enantiomer for overcoming the tramadol crisis by reducing addiction

“Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and includes: a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful, or potentially harmful, consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal.” (ULTRACET, acetaminophen/tramadol hydrochloride fixed-dose combination, FDA NDA#021123, SUPPL-15, 2023)