Tapentadol available under the brand name Aspadol or Nucynta is primarily prescribed as a pain medication. It may offer additional benefits for patients with depression. Its beneficial impact in managing depression and anxiety arises from its ability to influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Depression is a very common mental health disorder that affects 280 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite significant advancements, the quest for more effective treatments persists. There are numerous studies that suggest the link between depression and body pain. This brings us to discuss the use and benefits of taking Tapentadol for depression.
Beyond its established role as an analgesic, Tapentadol's emerging reputation as a mood regulator encourages us to reconsider its therapeutic potential for mental health care.
In this blog, we explore the benefits and health risks of using Tapentadol in improving depression.
Understanding Tapentadol And Depression
Tapentadol is an opioid pain medication where a single molecule is able to deliver analgesic effects by two distinct mechanisms. It offers pain relief across a broad spectrum of pain from nociceptive to neuropathic, managing both acute and chronic body pain.
It is available in the immediate release form for acute pain and as an extended-release formulation for chronic pain and is approved in the USA by the FDA for treating moderate to severe pain in adults. Generic Tapentadol is not currently available and is retailed under the brand name Aspadol and Nucynta.
According to the American Psychiatric Association Depression is defined as a common medical condition that negatively affects the way a person thinks, acts, and feels [1].
Symptoms of depression are treatable and can vary from mild to severe.
Some of the symptoms of Depression include-
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Loss of interest
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Increased fatigue
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Trouble sleeping
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Changes in appetite
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Thoughts of death or suicide
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Difficulty thinking
The Link Between Depression And Physical Symptoms
Physical disorders such as body pain can be a common reason for depression. On the other hand, a 2004 study by Madhukar H Trivedi suggests that chronic pain is often the presenting symptom of depression. People with depression often suffer from limb pain, chronic joint pain, and back pain that can affect the daily activity of a person [2].
So, whether you are suffering from depression due to body pain or suffering from pain due to depression, taking an effective pain medication along with depression treatment is essential.
Thus, the use of Tapentadol may be an effective option for you.
Tapentadol's Mechanism Of Action- How Does It Help In Improving Depression
Along with providing effective analgesic effects in managing body pain associated with depression, it can also mildly improve its symptoms.
Tapentadol has serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition properties that offer positive benefits in treating depression. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps in regulating mood. On the other hand, Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter that helps in transmitting signals between the brain and the nerve cells. However, it is important to note that Tapentadol is not typically prescribed for depression, and thus before buying Aspadol 100 mg tablets it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Clinical Studies Investigating Tapentadol's Efficacy In Depression
An embodiment published by Google patents suggests the use of Tapentadol for anxiety and depression caused by pain [3]. Another study by A. Tarsitano et al. investigating the effect of Tapentadol on anxiety, depression, and cognitive functioning indicates that the use of Tapentadol PR helps in controlling pain and further improves the quality of life of patients by improving mood and showcasing a favorable effect on cognition [4].
The ability of Tapentadol to improve anxiety and depression in patients with Parkinson's disease was also indicated in a 2018 study by Dr Katherine Hanlon [5].
Challenges And Future Prospects
The two notable challenges regarding the use of Tapentadol in depression treatment are-
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Its ability to cause dependency and abuse.
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The presence of limited clinical and pre-clinical evidence suggesting the antidepressant effects of tapentadol.
The future prospects of the use of Aspadol or Tapentadol in depression management include-
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The dual mechanism of action of Tapentadol allows researchers to explore its use in combination with other antidepressants.
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Since it is a well-tolerated pain medication it offers beneficial effects in managing symptoms of depression such as body pain.
Our Final Thought
In our conclusion, it would be safe to say that the use of Tapentadol for Depression presents both opportunities and challenges. While studies show its potential antidepressant effects, however, significant concerns exist regarding its limited clinical evidence in this prospect.
The Key points to take from this blog-
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The ability of Tapentadol to improve the secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine helps in improving mood.
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It works within 30 minutes of administration.
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Tapentadol or Aspadol helps improve body pain which is one of the common signs of depression.
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Tapentadol brand medications are not the primary treatment option for depression and thus should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.