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A study on the long-term effects of Tapentadol

A study on the long-term effects of Tapentadol

Tapentadol is a popular opioid medication used to treat acute and chronic pain in people. Its dual mechanism of action makes it a much safer option in the market today, thus leading to a potential rise in its non-prescription users. This opioid analgesic is commonly known as Nucynta and Palexia 100mg, which are FDA-approved for short-term uses. However, it can be taken for an extended period under medical supervision. The incorrect dosing of the analgesic escalates the risk of side effects in the person. Thus, this article is a detailed study of the long-term effects of Tapentadol opioid pain medication and its safety in users.

 

Tapentadol Effects On The Body

Tapentadol is a centrally-acting analgesic that functions within 30 minutes of intake. This analgesic is a pro-drug that does not depend on the metabolism to exhibit its therapeutic action. Thus making this opioid medicine an alternative treatment for chronic pain when the user does not respond to other medications. Tapentadol further retails under the name Aspadol and Nucynta. It uses a dual antagonist action that makes it less prone to causing side effects in people. Overdosing and improper administration of this opioid medication are vital factors responsible for causing adverse effects. 

People who buy Tapentadol online are advised not to take the analgesic for more than three weeks. Non-prescription users of the analgesic can take a break of 21 days before continuing with its intake any further. Using the medication for an extended period profoundly affects the human brain and the CNS system. Thus, it primarily impacts the physical and mental health of the person. You can now get Aspadol tablets at the best price at Healthnaturo, which offers assured discounts and free shipping on all orders.

 

Long-term Effects of Tapentadol on mental health

Using Tapentadol for an extended period can peak the chances of the users experiencing dependency and addiction. The euphoric effect of Tapentadol is a significant cause of its abuse in people. Effect of long-term use of Tapentadol on the mental health

 

Apart from dependency, the other impacts of Nucynta on the person’s mental health are confusion, sleep disorders, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, etc. [1]. However, studies and Nucynta reviews indicate that prescription Tapentadol is safe and does not show severe side effects and dependency in the user.

 

Long-term effects of Tapentadol on physical health

 

System 

Effect of Nucynta 

Frequency 

Gastrointestinal

Nausea and Vomiting

Very common (10% or more)

 

Impaired gastric emptying

Rare (less than 0.1%)

 

abdominal discomfort, dry mouth

Common (1 to 10%)

Respiratory system

Cough, respiratory depression, 

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%)

 

Upper respiratory tract infection

Common (1 to 10%)

Musculoskeletal

involuntary muscle contractions, muscle spasms

Common (1% to 10%)

 

Bone pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%)

Ocular system 

Blurry vision 

Common (1% to 10%)

 

Any form of visual disturbance

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%)

Metabolic activity

Decrease in appetite 

Common (1% to 10%)

Nervous system

Dizziness 

Very common (about 24%)

 

Headache 

Common (about 15%)

 

Sedation, disturbance in attention

Common (1% to 10%)

 

Memory impairment, confusion, balance disorder

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%)

 

Coordination issues

Rare (less than 0.1%)

 

Clinical evidence- Safety of persistent use of Nucynta

A study by James E. Wild MD et al. on Tapentadol vs. Oxycodone was done to understand the safety, tolerability, and long-term effects of Tapentadol ER in chronic pain patients [6].

 

Clinical-evidence-Safety-of-persistent-use-of-Nucynta

 

This study indicates that using Tapentadol ER 100mg projected better gastrointestinal tolerability compared to Oxycodone. It helped manage chronic pain in patients for one year with no potential ramifications on the user.

 

Withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol

 

withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol

 

Long-term effects of Tapentadol can cause withdrawal signs in the user. These symptoms are due to the sudden and abrupt discontinuation of opioid medicine. Withdrawals may begin to appear within a few hours of the last dose. Therefore, one must gradually lower the quantity of the analgesic before altogether discontinuing the use of the pain medication. Most physicians incorporate the “opioid tapering” method before the termination of treatment. The typical withdrawal symptoms in users are sweating, anxiety, nausea, upper respiratory issues, insomnia, sweating, etc.

 

Nucynta Reviews - A testimonial (ratings) on its perdurable uses

The Nucynta reviews help one get a better insight into the effectiveness, ease, and long-term effects of Tapentadol experienced by users. The overall rating of the analgesic on WebMD is 3.3 out of 5, whereas, at drugs.com, it is 6.2 out of 10. However, here is a list of user reviews for long-term analgesic use, highlighting its potency and side effects.   

 

Prescription use

Side effect experienced 

Ratings

Dosage duration

Date of review

Source 

Body pain

Mild constipation 

pain

5 to 10 years 

15/3/2019

WebMD

Chronic neck pain/ migraines

dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, euphoria. Nothing too bad.

Chronic neck pain/ migraines

1st day 

7/9/2012

Askapatient

Fibromyalgia, Dysplasia, and arthritis

No issues reported

Fibromyalgia, Dysplasia and arthritis

6 years 

21/11/2019

Drugs

Body ache pain

No issues reported

pain

2 to 5 years 

10/10/2015

WebMD

 Nucynta for fibromyalgia and bursitis

No issues reported

Bursitis and fibromyalgia

5 years 

4/6/2010

Drugs

DDD with Radiculopathy

Stomach pain

DDD with Radiculopathy

8 months

3/4/2013

Askapatient

General body pain

Dry mouth 

General body pain

Less than a month 

11/3/2015

WebMD

Scoliosis, fibromyalgia, and RA

No issues reported

Scoliosis, fibromyalgia and RA

3 years 

6/2/2020

Drugs

 

 

FAQ's

The half-life of Tapentadol is 4 hours, and its action lasts for 5 to 6 hours. Therefore, the side effects of the opioid analgesic stay for a maximum of 4 to 6 hours in the patient. The side effects of medication are mild and do not require much medical attention. People experiencing any symptoms should cease the use of pain medication. If the discomfort persists, one should get immediate medical assistance.

Using Tapentadol 100mg for a long while can cause dose-dependent oxidation of protein in the liver. A study by Joana Barbosa et al. states that the use of Nucynta can lead to causing hepatotoxicity in the user.

There are no studies indicating the long-term effects of Tapentadol on the blood sugar level. However, scientific reports show that using Nucynta ER is an effective solution for managing painful diabetic neuropathy in patients [3]. Neuropathy is a widespread condition affecting one-third of all diabetic people worldwide.

Studies and reviews show disparate conclusions on this concern. Anxiety is a noted side effect of Tapentadol. In fact, according to the website drugs, about ten percent of the users taking Tapentadol suffer from anxiety. On the contrary, a study by Ulderico Freo et al. expresses that this opioid medicine assists in lowering HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) anxiety in the patient [4]. Therefore, one should take the Tapentadol dose for anxiety only under the supervision of a physician. 

Continued use of this opioid analgesic more than prescribed can cause adrenal gland problems. This prolonged usage can lead to adrenal depletion in the body [5]. Thus the long-term effects of Tapentadol can impact mental health and cause depression and mood swings in the user. 

The maximum dose of Tapentadol is 500mg for adults in a day. It is available in two formulations and has different strengths. The number of doses and the strength depends on the severity and the cause of the pain. Tapentadol ER (extended-release) has an extensive action, and one can take it twice a day. On the other hand, the Tapentadol IR lasts 5 to 6 hours in people and can take 4 to 5 times a day.

Take the tablets as a whole. It should not be broken or crushed before taking the analgesic. Such practices can induce the quick release of the dose, resulting in long-term effects of Tapentadol in the user.

Suffering from a loss of appetite is believed to be one of the withdrawal signs of Tapentadol [7]. Thus, it does not aid in causing weight gain.

Using Nucynta with other medications such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline can cause an increase in blood pressure in the user. Therefore if you have taken any of these pills in the last 14 days, it is recommended first to consult a physician [8].

One of the most prevalent long-term effects of Tapentadol is triggering tolerance, thus gradually losing its efficacy in the user. In such cases, the patient must keep changing and increasing the drug dose for effective results. It is, therefore, best for a person to take the analgesia for a short period.

References-

  1. Tapentadol Side Effects, drugs
  2. Acute administration of tramadol and tapentadol at effective analgesic and maximum tolerated doses causes hepato- and nephrotoxic effects in Wistar rats, Joana Barbosa et al, Pubmed 

  3. Tapentadol extended-release in the management of peripheral diabetic neuropathic pain, Nalini Vadivelu et al, NIH.gov
  4. Effects of tapentadol on pain, motor symptoms and cognitive functions in Parkinson’s disease, Ulderico Freo et al, NIH.gov

  5. Tapentadol (Oral Route), Mayoclinic
  6. Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Tapentadol Extended-Release for the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain or Osteoarthritis Pain, James E. Wild MD, online library 
  7. Palexia 50 mg film-coated tablets, medicines.org.uk
  8. Tapentadol Tablets, drugs