What Is Tapentadol?
Tapentadol — also known as Nucynta — is a prescription drug recommended for treating short-term moderate to severe pain, such as after a surgery. This medication is part of the family of opioid analgesics, which work to directly affect how your brain recognizes and responds to pain.
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Tapentadol that is best fit to combat your pain levels. Always take Tapentadol exactly as prescribed. Never take more medication than is needed or after your pain has subsided, as this can lead to adverse side effects, physical dependence, or overdose.
How Is Tapentadol Used?
Tapentadol is a medication prescribed to alleviate short-term pain. It is typically prescribed to manage the type of pain that occurs after an injury or surgery. This type of opioid attaches to receptors in the brain which in turn increases the patient’s pain threshold. Tapentadol helps to ease the pain experienced as a patient recovers from surgery or an injury.
Tapentadol is taken orally, with or without a meal. Taking this medication with food may help to prevent nausea. It is recommended that you take Tapentadol at the first sign of pain for the medication to work as effectively as possible. Do not stop taking this medication without being advised by a doctor, as this may cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, constipation, sweating, shaking, or diarrhea. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dosage to avoid withdrawal.
Tapentadol Addiction
Taking any medication comes with the risk of misuse — even while following your prescription correctly. Your chances of developing a substance use disorder while taking Tapentadol increases if you take this drug in addition to other medications. Following your prescription precisely and accurately can help prevent you from developing a substance use disorder or experiencing adverse — and possibly fatal — side effects.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience serious withdrawal symptoms such as harsh stomach pain, hallucinations, confusion, loss of appetite, weight loss, or trouble urinating. Rare yet serious side effects such as seizures, fainting, slowed breathing, or severe drowsiness may indicate a dangerous drug interaction or even an overdose, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Do you find yourself taking more Tapentadol than what is prescribed? It’s time to discover all the possibilities of a drug free lifestyle — contact The Recovery Village today to get started.
Tapentadol Side Effects
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.