Tramadol is Schedule 4 in Australia and has required a prescription since 2001 (see official notice). (thanks FSTTS, MG)

Require prescription, category B. (unconfirmed) (thanks Z)

We have been told that tramadol requires a prescription in Brazil. (unconfirmed) (thanks M)

Tramadol is not listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Regulations, but requires a prescription under Schedule F of the Food and Drugs Regulations. Tramadol is only available as 'Tramacet', a combination pill containing tramadol (37.5mg) and acetaminophen (325mg). (Perhaps identical to the 'Ultracet' combo pill available in the US.). We have been told that it is approved only for the "short-term (5 days or less) managament of acute pain" and that the time limit is enforced even when prescribed. (thanks CP) See: http://www.jnj.com/news/jnj_news/20050725_120712.htm and http://www.nlpb.ca/Documents/Apothecary/Apothecary0607.pdf (page 3: "Tramacet abuse reported"). (thanks CP)

In July 2007 an amendment was proposed that would add tramadol to Schedule I of Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. As of January 2008 it has not been put into effect. (see Canada Gazette text of the proposal) (thanks A)

We have been told that Tramadol is available in mainland China without a prescription and is available at most pharmacies over-the-counter. (unconfirmed) (thanks MF2)

We have been told that tramadol is available without prescription in Costa Rica, available at many pharmacies. Tramal IV: intravenous doses (dosage unknown, probably less than 50mg), is sold at pharmacies without prescription. (thanks NG and JB) (last updated Jul 6, 2007)

Listed since Oct 2002 as controlled. Requires prescription. Although we have also received one report that a visitor walked into a pharmacy in Alexandria, Egypt and purchased tramadol without a prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks YMK, K)

Tramadol is available by prescription only in Germany. (thanks P)

Tramadol is available by prescription only in Ireland (see S.I. No. 540/2003. (thanks R, A)

We are told as of 2003, tramadol was available over-the-counter in Kuwait. 50mg and 100mg capsules were available. (unconfirmed) (thanks Z)

We have received conflicting reports, one saying that tramadol (50mg units) are available in Mexico without a prescription (thanks Peter, DME) as Velodrol, but another writer says that the bottles are clearly marked for prescription-sale only. Although many Mexican pharmacies will sell it without a prescription, one can be detained, arrested, or forced to pay a bribe if found in possession of tramadol without a proper prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks WVR)

Bluestem writes in Mar 2007: "I have been using tramadol for years for chronic pain & depression. It is easy & cheap to obtain in Tiajuana, and I even showed it to customs & they said my 4 bottles of 50mg tramadol tablets were perfectly legal to bring back into the U.S. I found the cheapest prices in the tourist areas, with 'real' pharmacies being quite a bit more expensive. A generic, very effective, is known as Citra 50 Tramadol. 100 ct 50 mg tablets run $40-$45."

In Nov 2007 VH adds: "No prescription needed - I did take bottle for the border just in case. There were no problems. This was Tijuana."

We have been told that tramadol is available by prescription only. (unconfirmed) (thanks A)

We have been told that tramadol is available over-the-counter, but received a conflicting report that it requires a prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks CB77, CD)

We have been told that tramadol is not available over-the-counter in Singapore and that it is controlled under poison legislation but not as a drug. (thanks M, DK2) (unconfirmed)

We have been told that tramadol is not scheduled as a narcotic, but does require a presecription in Sweden. (unconfirmed) (thanks R, AL)

We have been told that tramadol (50mg and 100mg oral units) is available in Thailand without a prescription for 10-15thb for 50mg and 15-25thb for 100mg. Sold as "Tramagesic". (thanks D, M, DME)

Update: In Sep 2007 we received an unconfirmed report that tramadol is no longer available without a prescription in Bangkok. (thanks A)

Tramadol HCL is legally available only with prescription in the UK. (see The Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Order 1997). (thanks CP)