A pharmaceutical expert says long-lasting tramadol tablets could be causing workplace issues

Pharmac data shows more than 270-thousand people were prescribed the painkiller last year.

This year, the Drug Detection Agency began independently screening for tramadol in workplaces, as use grows.

Auckland University Lecturer, Jay Gong, says long-acting tablets are being prescribed more.

He says somebody taking the drug the night before could have remaining levels at work the next day.