Tapentadol: uses, side effects and safety
Tapentadol (Nucynta, Nucynta ER) is a opioid analgesic. It is a US Schedule II controlled substance. It is prescription only (rx) and remains on the US market.
What is Tapentadol?
Tapentadol is the generic name for Nucynta, Nucynta ER, and belongs to the Opioid analgesic class.
| Generic name | Tapentadol HCl (immediate-release tablet) |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Nucynta, Nucynta ER |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic |
| US legal status | US Schedule II ยท Prescription only (Rx) |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Elimination half-life | 4 |
How does Tapentadol work?
Tapentadol is a centrally-acting synthetic analgesic. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Although clinical relevance is unclear, preclinical studies have shown it is a mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI); analgesia in animal models is derived from both properties..
The elimination half-life is roughly 4. Longer half-lives mean the drug and its active metabolites persist in the body for longer after the last dose.
Common side effects of Tapentadol
These are the side effects people report most often. Many diminish after the body adjusts, usually within one to two weeks.
- nausea
- dizziness
- vomiting
- somnolence
- pruritus
- constipation
- dry mouth
- headache
Serious side effects and warning signs
Seek emergency care for any of these
- respiratory depression
- addiction/abuse/misuse
- serotonin syndrome
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- overdose
Suspected overdose or a bad reaction should be reported to Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222. That is staffed around the clock and is free.
Legal status of Tapentadol
Tapentadol is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. That placement is set out in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1308, and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It carries restrictions on prescribing, storage, record-keeping and transfer.
Statutory reference: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=80938c30-9fe3-4c7d-9d9c-5476638cfb2d.
Can you get Tapentadol without a prescription?
Short answer: no. Tapentadol is a prescription medication. Sites advertising it without one are either operating illegally or selling something other than what they claim. We explain the legal routes, the counterfeit problem and how to check a source in detail.
Read the full answer: Tapentadol without a prescription →
Related medications
Propoxyphene
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination productMedication information page.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is Tapentadol used for?
See the approved uses section below.
What schedule is Tapentadol in the United States?
Tapentadol is a Schedule II controlled substance in the US, listed at 21 CFR Part 1308. Schedule II means the drug has a defined potential for abuse and is subject to federal record-keeping, storage and prescribing restrictions.
What are the common side effects of Tapentadol?
The most frequently reported side effects are nausea, dizziness, vomiting, somnolence, pruritus, constipation. Many lessen over the first week or two of treatment.
Sources & references
Important
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.