Tapentadol is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. It is a centrally-acting analgesic and manages both acute and chronic pain conditions. Tapentadol is prescribed only when the pain is severe enough to require opioid medication and is intolerable and not relieved by non-opioid painkillers initially. The medication comes in different formulations and dosages. In the United States, the popular 100mg Tapentadol is available as a generic as well as brand medication.
Tapentadol manages pain through a dual mechanism, acting as a mu-opioid receptor agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The medication will provide relief to even severe pain within 30 minutes of ingestion. Tapentadol exhibits similar pain management effects to tramadol; however, it has a weak effect on serotonin reuptake and is a more potent opioid even without active metabolites. However, due to the increased opioid activity and long-term effects on the system, Tapentadol has the potential to affect overall health. This article will discuss the Side effects of Tapentadol in detail.
How Does Tapentadol 100mg Relieve Severe Pain
This medication is a centrally-acting opioid analgesic that directly affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). Tapentadol tablets bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord and enhance their effects. These receptors are responsible for modulating the pain signals between the brain and the body. In normal therapeutic doses, Tapentadol also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine in the CNS, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in alleviating the feeling of pain, leading to its increased level in the synaptic space.
This combined or dual mechanism of action helps Tapentadol to significantly reduce pain, despite its severity. Healthcare experts suggest that this opioid drug can be used for both acute and chronic pain management, however, long-term use should be monitored to prevent Tapentadol side effects. The standard Tapentadol dosage depends on the formulation and the patient’s medical condition. The immediate-release (IR) Tapentadol has a maximum daily limit of 400mg, whereas the recommended maximum daily dose of extended-release (ER) Tapentadol is 300mg.
Tapentadol Uses
- Injury-related pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Nerve damage pain
- Backpain
- Neck pain
Risks and Side Effects Associated with Tapentadol
Since it is an opioid, Tapentadol has the potential to cause certain side effects. read further to understand what are the side effects of Tapentadol and how to manage them safely. The primary side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness are generally considered normal and will not cause any trouble unless there is an unusual Tapentadol drug interaction or an overdose has occurred.
Regarding the misuse and related Tapentadol risks, many users intentionally consume a higher dose for increased sedation and euphoric effects. This can lead to serious health complications in the future by affecting the entire system. Therefore, taking the tablets as prescribed without exceeding the recommended dosage is necessary to treat pain without immediate or long-term Tapentadol side effects.
Among the various doses of the medication, Tapentadol 100mg is the most prescribed and purchased dose in the United States.
Common Tapentadol 100mg side effects are given below:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Physical fatigue
- Itching
- Dizziness
However, sometimes, even the lowest possible dose of Tapentadol, such as a dosage of 50mg per day, may cause adverse effects because of harmful drug interactions. Sometimes symptoms of a Tapentadol overdose can be mistaken for potential substance interaction side effects, and vice versa.
Therefore, it’s important to read the medical guide and prescription label to differentiate between these symptoms. Serious Tapentadol 50 mg side effects are:
- Hallucinations
- Intense muscle twitching
- Fainting
- Impaired speech
- Respiratory depression
- Increased heart rate
- Rashes on the skin
- Allergic reactions
Tapentadol Contraindications and Precautions
As mentioned before, due to its opioid properties, Tapentadol is considered dangerous in a few people with certain medical conditions and in combination with some other drugs. The conditions and interactions that may be contraindicated to consider before taking Tapentadol for pain management are given below;
- Tapentadol is contraindicated in people with epilepsy or a seizure history, and those with conditions that increase intracranial pressure such as brain tumors or serious head injuries.
- The medication will cause life-threatening respiratory depression if used by asthma patients.
- For those with liver diseases and biliary tract issues administering Tapentadol for pain management is not recommended.
- Combining Tapentadol tablets with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and other sedation-causing drugs can lead to severe and potentially fatal interactions.
If you notice changes in skin and eye color after taking the first dose of Tapentadol 100mg, consult your doctor without any delay. Visit the nearest emergency medical room or call medical help immediately if you experience difficulties in breathing and movement.
What is Tapentadol Withdrawal?
Apart from the side effects and drug interactions of Tapentadol, some other risks also require immediate medical attention, such as Tapentadol withdrawal. This condition arises when you suddenly stop the medication after experiencing its effects and feeling pain-free. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before discontinuing Tapentadol, even if your treatment duration has ended. This is to ensure you gradually decrease the dosage instead of stopping Tapentadol abruptly and to prevent experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, loss of appetite, joint pain, and fever or chills. To explore more about Tapentadol side effects, overdose dangers, and withdrawal symptoms.
FAQs on Understanding Tapentadol 100mg: Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Q. Is Tapentadol 100mg sedative?
Ans. Yes, Tapentadol 100mg is an opioid tablet and has sedative properties.
Q. Can I buy Tapentadol 50mg without a prescription?
Ans. No, Tapentadol is a prescription drug.
Q. Will Tapentadol cause respiratory depression?
Ans. Overdosing on Tapentadol can cause respiratory depression.
