It’s no secret that prescription drug-related deaths are on the rise, a problem that is of growing concern to health experts and authorities. However, according to a leading scientist, one painkiller is causing more deaths than even illegal drugs like heroin. It’s tramadol, a common but surprisingly dangerous medication.

Professor Jack Crane, State Pathologist for Northern Ireland, has noted that tramadol surpasses illicit drugs in the number of deaths in his region. This painkiller, known in some countries under brand names such as Ultram or ConZip, is a synthetic opioid that doctors commonly prescribe to treat moderate to severe pain.