Tapentadol received initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 20, 2008. It was approved for the management of moderate to severe acute pain.

It is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. It relieves headache, muscular pain, menstrual pain, joint pain, backache, toothache, and throat pain. Pain is an emotional and unpleasant sensation caused by actual or potential tissue injury.

Take Tapentadol exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on the severity of the pain. If you suddenly stop taking Tapentadol, it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness and irritability, and your pain is likely to return.

Common side effects of tapentadol include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and headache. It can also cause respiratory depression, especially at high doses or when combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Tapentadol carries several warnings that should be considered. The medication may  increase the risk of seizures, particularly in patients with a seizure disorder or those taking medications that lower the seizure threshold. Additionally, sudden discontinuation of tapentadol may lead to withdrawal symptoms, so gradual tapering under medical supervision is recommended. Finally, it is essential to be aware of potential drug interactions, especially with other central nervous system depressants, as they can increase the risk of respiratory depression and sedation.

Exercise caution when using tapentadol in individuals with a history of substance abuse, respiratory depression, or respiratory conditions. Tapentadol should be used with caution in individuals with liver or kidney impairment, as dosage adjustments may be necessary. It is also essential to educate yourself about the risks, obtain clear instructions on proper use, and advise against the use of alcohol or other sedating substances while taking tapentadol.

Tell your doctor before the treatment commencement if you have respiratory conditions such as asthma, severe lung problems, or breathing difficulties. Please inform your physician if you have liver, kidney, or pancreatic disease or are severely constipated. If you ever fainted or felt dizzy when suddenly standing up, consult your doctor before taking this medication, as it reduces blood pressure. Avoid drinking alcohol because it may cause addiction and drowsiness and impair mental alertness. 

1. Edward Chu, Lange’s Basic and clinical pharmacology, Drugs that act in the central nervous system: Opioid agonists and antagonists,14th Edition, 2018, 557-572.
2. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Oct 2010] [ Accessed on 10th August 2022],https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022304s003lbl.pdf
3. Grunenthal Pharma Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on January 2022] [Accessed on 1st  August 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5159.pdf

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.