Tapentadol is an oral narcotic that is prescribed for short-term pain relief. This medication is taken every four to six hours in order to control pain. It is usually prescribed only for pain that does not respond to more mild pain relievers. Tapentadol is an opioid medication; it works by blocking pain receptors so that you are not aware of pain.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication must be swallowed whole. Chewing or breaking tablets can cause too much of the medication to enter the body at once time, causing a fatal overdose.

Doctors may allow patients to take an extra dose one hour after their first dose on the first day of treatment. Afterwards, it’s important to take no more than has been prescribed and to take it only every four to six hours in order to avoid potential overdoses.

This medication can be habit-forming. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel tempted to up your dose or to use the medication other than in the manner it has been prescribed.