If you have ever experienced back pain, you know life with severe pain can be difficult. It can affect your daily activity, making it crucial for you to take medical help. Suffering from prolonged severe pain can be one of the most challenging medical conditions that often do not show effective results from generic pain medication. Tapentadol is a proven way to help manage such discomforts in people. It is a centrally-acting opioid medication that works with a dual-mode of action, making it a better choice of analgesic over other prescription opioids available on the market. This blog illustrates the possible Tapentadol interactions along with its benefits, user reviews, warnings, and side effects.
Tapentadol brand names
Tapentadol is available in the market under several trade names; two popular brands are Nucynta and Aspadol.
Dosage forms for Aspadol-
After consulting a physician, users can buy Aspadol online in 100mg and 200mg dosages.
Dosage forms for Nucynta-
Generic Nucynta is available in 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg. One can also order Nucynta ER (Extended Release) for 100mg, 150mg and 250mg.
Clinical profile and uses of Tapentadol
The development of Nucynta is to decrease the intolerability issue associated with opioid medications. It is an effective solution for discomfort associated with lower back pain, osteoarthritis, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The extended-release formula of the analgesic is formulated for higher efficacy and addresses chronic pain in users.
In comparison, the Tapentadol IR is manufatured to manage acute pain. Studies indicate that this analgesic has higher gastrointestinal tolerability than other opioid medications. Tapentadol for fibromyalgia, muscle cramps, arthritis, cuts, and injuries are some of the common prescription uses of the opioid analgesic.
Physiological effects of Tapentadol drug interaction
The ingestion of Tapentadol with other medications can cause drug interaction in users. Such conditions can lower the efficacy of the medicine and increase the chances of side effects. People taking this analgesic must refrain from administering other medicines and supplements without a doctor’s consultation.
|
Common Tapentadol interactions |
Severity [2] |
|---|---|
|
Alcohol |
Mild |
|
Other Opioids |
Moderate |
|
Duloxetine |
severe |
|
Topiramate |
Moderate |
|
Topamax |
Moderate |
|
Amitriptyline |
Severe |
|
Albutoral |
Moderate |
There are also several questions on the intake of Tapentadol pain medication with other tablets. These lists do not answer and indicate all the possible drug interactions. It is advised for users to take other treatments with the opioid medication under the supervision of a medical professional to avoid Tapentadol's side effects.
Interaction with ibuprofen
The intake of Ibuprofen with Tapentadol is advisable. Since it is a weak pain medication and follows a different mode of action, its interactions with Tapentadol do not cause severe effects [3].
Ingestion with Paracetamol
The mechanism of action for both medications is non-identical, making the drug interaction safe.
Administration with diazepam
The intake of Diazepam can result in causing breathing issues, sedation, and other life-threatening effects [4].
Intake with Aspirin
Tapentadol interactions with Aspirin can bring a dire impact on the user. The most common result is the advent of respiratory distress. Often the interaction causes Central Nervous System depression. Some other effects include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in judgment.
Health impact of prolonged use of Tapentadol
The prescription use of Tapentadol is for three weeks. In a few cases, administering the analgesic for an extended period can cause life-threatening breathing problems. Beginners are more vulnerable for the first 24 to 72 hours of taking the initial dose.
On the contrary, a study by Robert Buynak et al.; highlights the safety profile of long-term use of Tapentadol. It shows patients taking the analgesic for approximately two years shows no sign of severe side effects [5].
The metabolism and elimination of Tapentadol
On reaching the body, Tapentadol gets metabolized in the liver. It then passes from the hepatic functioning to the renal system for excretion. The average elimination half-life of Tapentadol is about 4 hours. It takes 22 to 24 hours to remove the compound from the body[6]. Tapentadol interactions with other medications can tamper with this period and may take longer to remove the compounds from the body.
What do Users have to say About Tapentadol?
The Tapentadol review shows a positive response for treating chronic pain with very few cases of side effects. It is a narrative of user experiences showcasing its advantages and demerits.
Source- “User review for the opioid medication oral,” WebMD
The testimonials on WebMD highlight its efficacy and ease of use in patients. At the same time, reviews on the website Drugs have an overall rating of 6.2 out of 10. About 52% of users report having a positive experience.
Adverse effects of Tapentadol
Tapentadol is associated with causing mild to moderate side effects in the user. People who take Tapentadol online without a prescription are more susceptible to experiencing these symptoms. The other factors that contribute to causing these effects are Overdosing, improper administration, and drug interactions.
|
Tapentadol side effect [7] |
Indication |
|---|---|
|
Heartburn |
Do not need immediate medical attention |
|
Insomnia |
Do not need immediate medical attention |
|
Excessive tiredness |
Do not need immediate medical attention |
|
seizures |
Requires immediate medical help |
|
Loss of consciousness |
Requires immediate medical help |
|
Constipation |
Do not need immediate medical attention |
|
Irritability |
Do not need immediate medical attention |
|
Irregular menstruation |
Requires immediate medical help |
|
Anxiety |
Do not need immediate medical attention |
According to the Australian public assessment report, the cases of side effects reported in users are related to the concentration of the medication in the blood [9].
Source- Australian public assessment report for Tapentadol
The above graph represents an increase in blood concentration by 145 mg/ml in users administering the analgesia every four hours. The study, in addition, also testify the safety profile of the analgesic with no sign of adverse effects. The intake of the opioid drug 3 to 4 times a day in nonprescription users will reduce the chances of experiencing side effects.
Tapentadol withdrawal symptoms
Sudden and abruptly discontinuing of the analgesic can be a major factor in experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Users taking the medication under the supervision of a doctor should consult them before discontinuing. However, nonprescription users can adopt the “tapering opioids method". They should first gradually lower the dosage before completely stopping it. This will allow your body to adjust to the lower dosage of the medication. Prior cases of Tapentadol interactions can amplify withdrawal symptoms. Individuals with withdrawal symptoms may face anxiety, shaking, depression, muscle pain, and nausea [8].