What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Tapentadol?

Tapentadol hydrochloride is a potent prescription opioid pain medication. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2008 for treating moderate to severe pain. While Tapentadol hydrochloride can effectively relieve pain and discomfort, it’s essential to understand its potential side effects, which range from mild to severe.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the possible adverse effects of this pain medication to help patients make informed decisions.

How Does Tapentadol Work?

Tapentadol is marketed under numerous brand names worldwide, including Tapaday 100 mg and 200 mg, Nucynta, and Aspadol. Tapentadol, along with these brand variations, helps manage pain through a similar mechanism of action, as mentioned below [1]. 

Mu-opioid receptor agonism: Tapentadol binds to mu-opioid receptors in the spinal cord and brain, which helps to block pain signals.

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition: Tapentadol also works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which helps to reduce pain sensations.

What Are The Common Side Effects Of Tapentadol?

A study by Robert Buynak, MD, et al., concluded that Tapentadol is a well-tolerated treatment with long-term efficacy and safety for managing moderate to severe pain.

The most common or frequently reported side effects of tapentadol are similar to those of other opioid medicines. These include [2] –

Drowsiness

Tapentadol interacts with opioid receptors present in the brain, leading to reduced pain and increased sedation. This may impair your ability to perform everyday tasks that require focus, such as driving.

Constipation

Like other opioid medications, Tapentadol can cause constipation. Tapentadol can slow the mobility of the digestive tract, and this is one of the leading causes of constipation and of other opioid-induced bowel dysfunction [3].

Headaches

Some Tapentadol users report headaches, which may diminish as the body gets used to the drug. Headaches caused by Tapentadol happen because it affects the central nervous system, working as both a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and an opioid receptor agonist. These actions can alter neurotransmitter levels and proper blood flow in the brain, triggering headaches.

Nausea And Vomiting 

Tapentadol causes nausea and vomiting by stimulating the brain’s vomiting center, slowing down stomach emptying, and potentially releasing histamine, which affects the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

Less Common Side Effects Of Tapentadol

Tapentadol hydrochloride may trigger rare side effects in very few users. Though these side effects are very rare, if you experience any of them, seek medical help immediately [4].

Low Blood Pressure 

In some cases, Tapentadol can lead to low blood pressure, which can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or even fainting. Dizziness is more common when one stands up suddenly from a seated position.

Urination Difficulties

Some individuals experience changes in their patterns of urination, including reduced urine production, urinary retention (the inability to empty the bladder fully), or difficulty initiating urination.

Allergic Reactions

Though rare, some Tapentadol users may suffer from allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, trouble breathing, or rash.

Liver Problems 

Tapentadol can cause liver issues, such as liver dysfunction.

Changes in Mental Health 

Tapentadol can cause rare mood changes in some people, such as confusion, depression, and anxiety. It can also cause changes in behavior such as self-harm.

Long-Term Side Effects Of Tapentadol Hydrochloride

Using Tapentadol long-term can have side effects, including –

Tolerance and Dependence 

One significant concern with long-term use of Tapentadol pain medication is the potential for tolerance, where people may require higher doses of the drug to achieve the same level of pain relief. In addition, there is a risk of physical dependence, which can cause withdrawal symptoms if the medicine is suddenly discontinued.

Withdrawal Symptoms Upon Discontinuation 

If you suddenly stop the intake of Tapentadol after long-term use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, increased pain sensitivity, and insomnia. It’s essential for patients to work closely with their doctor to develop a safe tapering plan if they need to discontinue the medicine.

Risk of overdosing 

One of the most serious concerns associated with prolonged use of Tapentadol is the risk of overdose. Overdosing can occur if the medicine is taken in higher doses than prescribed or combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system.

Symptoms of Tapentadol overdose are – loss of consciousness, coughing, increased sweating, clammy skin, decreased awareness, lightheadedness, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

If you want to get detailed information about Tapentadol overdose, then ANR has a helpful guide for you on this subject.

Managing Side Effects Associated With Tapentadol Use

Now that you’re aware of the side effects of Tapentadol, it’s time to learn how to manage them [5].

Here are a few tips to manage the side effects of Tapentadol.

Start With A Lower dosage: When you have just begun taking Tapentadol, start with the lowest effective dosage and increase only if required.

Monitor Your Symptoms: Stay in touch with your healthcare provider regularly. You can note any side effects you experience and discuss them with your doctor later.

Stay active and hydrated: When you are taking Tapentadol, make sure you are properly hydrated and try to do regular exercise. These habits will reduce the risks of adverse effects like constipation and dizziness that we discussed before.

If the side effects become unmanageable, your medical provider may recommend alternative pain management options.

Precautions and Warnings For Tapentadol Use

• As an opioid pain medication, Tapentadol has a high risk of misuse and dependence; therefore, this medication must be used with proper consultation with a doctor.
• Elderly people and people with pre-existing mental or physical health conditions should use Tapentadol hydrochloride cautiously.
• Tapentadol can cause fatal side effects if used with alcohol or with other drugs.
• Tapentadol can cause harm to your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Due to a lack of efficacy data, the use of Tapentadol should be avoided in children below 18 years of age.
• Do not take Tapentadol with other medications unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. Tapentadol can interact with various medications, increasing the risk of side effects. Some of the notable drug interactions of this opioid pain medicine are hormonal contraceptives, rifampin, warfarin, and cyclosporine.

Conclusion

Tapentadol is very effective in managing pain, although it is not without its risks. Understanding its side effects, from common to rare, is important for anyone considering this medicine.

Tapentadol should be used responsibly only under the strict guidance of your doctor. That is the only way to minimize the risks of side effects while also benefiting from its pain-relieving properties.