About tapentadol
Extended-release opioid pain medicine
Used for
- Long-term, around-the-clock treatment of severe pain when other treatments are inadequate
- Not for as-needed or short-term pain relief
Usual adult dose
Usually starts at 50 mg every 12 hours; doses are individualized and increased cautiously. Maximum 500 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, constipation, dizziness, sleepiness
- Vomiting, headache, itching
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Dependence and withdrawal
Important warnings
- Risk of fatal breathing problems, especially when starting or increasing doses
- Can cause addiction, misuse, overdose, and death
- Avoid alcohol and use with other sedatives unless specifically directed
- Swallow whole; crushing or chewing can release a dangerous dose
Pregnancy
Prolonged use during pregnancy can cause newborn opioid withdrawal. Use during labor may cause serious breathing problems in the newborn.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended; tapentadol may pass into breast milk and cause dangerous sleepiness or breathing problems in a nursing infant.
Interactions
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives increase breathing and overdose risks
- MAO inhibitors: avoid use during treatment and for 14 days after stopping
- Serotonergic medicines may increase risk of serotonin syndrome
- Certain enzyme-altering medicines can change tapentadol effects
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.