The number of deaths involving prescription painkiller tramadol in England and Wales has more than doubled in four years, as the overall number of people dying from drug poisoning dropped 11 per cent.

Deaths involving tramadol rose from 83 in 2008 to 175 in 2012, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Wednesday (August 28). 

The ONS said the rise could be linked to a 35 per cent increase in prescriptions for tramadol over the past five years and the Home Office is consulting on whether the painkiller should be reclassified as a class C drug to deter its use.

Overall drug deaths have fallen, despite spike in tramadol-related poisoning	More on drug poisoning Pharmacist controlled drug prescribing grows eight-fold in six years Tramadol faces reclassification after surge in deaths Painkiller strength confusion MORE NEWS
	Deaths involving both legal and illegal drugs in England and Wales fell last year to 2,597, compared with 2,928 in 2008. Deaths involving methadone, heroine and morphine and other opiates, including codeine, fell between 2008 and 2012. Last year 182 people died after taking paracetamol compared with 260 in 2008.

However, the number of deaths from antidepressants has rocketed 22 per cent since 2008 to 468 last year. 

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were involved in more deaths than any other type of antidepressant. However, deaths caused by TCAs fell 53 per cent, from 497 in 1998 to 233 last year.

Most deaths were among men - although numbers fell 18 per between 2008 and 2012. The number of women dying from drug poisoning rose to 891 in 2012.

Accidental poisonings accounted for most deaths, although just under half of female drug-poisoning deaths were suicide, the ONS said.

The surge in deaths involving tramadol prompted the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to call in February for it to be placed under tighter control.

The Home Office has suggested that by reclassifying the drug it would still be available on prescription for patients who need it, but would mean access "will be appropriately restricted." The consultation ends on October 11.