What is tapentadol?
tapentadol vs oxycodone is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.Tapentadol is a prescription medicine that is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Tapentadol extended-release form (Nucynta ER) is for around-the-clock treatment of pain that is not controlled by other medicines. The extended-release form of tapentadol is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use tapentadol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- severe asthma or breathing problems;
- a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus); or
- if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
To make sure tapentadol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing that stops during sleep);
- a head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
- alcoholism or drug addiction, mental illness;
- urination problems,
- liver or kidney disease; or
- problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid, or adrenal gland.
How should I take tapentadol?tapentadol vs oxycodone
Take tapentadol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use tapentadol in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of tapentadol.
Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Stop taking all other medications that contain tapentadol or tramadol when you start taking tapentadol extended-release tablets.
Take tapentadol with a full glass of water at the same times each day, with or without food.
Do not crush, break, or open an extended-release pill. Swallow it whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal dose.