Immediate- and extended-release tapentadol were only approved for medical use in the United States in 2008 and 2011, respectively. Though relatively new, this drug has since gained a reputation as an opioid with a fairly low abuse potential. And yet, it’s not unheard of for people to struggle with tapentadol addiction.

If you’re taking this medication, familiarizing yourself with the causes, symptoms, and other aspects of tapentadol dependence should be your top priority.

This article will explain the key information you should know about tapentadol dependence and addiction, from their causes to their treatment.

What is Tapentadol?

Tapentadol is a centrally-acting pain medication prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain that doesn’t respond to weaker, non-opioid painkillers. Although it belongs to the opioid family, tapentadol differs from traditional opioids in that it has a dual mechanism of action: it is both an opioid agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI).

Tapentadol hydrochloride is available as an oral solution, an immediate-release tablet (Nucynta®), and an extended-release tablet (Nucynta® ER).

The immediate-release version is prescribed for acute pain relief and starts working within 30 minutes following ingestion. Meanwhile, extended-release tapentadol should only be used for pain that requires around-the-clock treatment, such as that experienced as a result of diabetic neuropathy. 

Tapentadol affects both ascending and descending pain pathways. Not only does it bind to the same opioid receptors as opioids like oxycodone to block the transmission of pain signals between the body and the brain, but it also alters norepinephrine levels. Tapentadol can also induce euphoric feelings similar to those of other opioids.

Side Effects of Using Tapentadol

Tapentadol can lead to various side effects, especially when you first start taking it or increase the dosage. The higher your tapentadol dosage is, the higher the risk of side effects you face.

The most common side effects of tapentadol include the following:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Sleep disturbances
• Headache

Inform your doctor about any side effects you experience, especially if they persist or worsen over time. If you experience an allergic reaction to tapentadol (hives, facial swelling, etc.) or severe side effects like seizures or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.

Taking tapentadol for a prolonged period also increases the risk of:

• Tolerance
• Dependence
• Addiction
• Opioid overdose
• Fertility problems
• Respiratory depression
• Increased sensitivity to pain

Never mix tapentadol with antidepressants and other medicines that increase serotonin, as this can lead to a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome. 

Is Tapentadol Addictive?

Tapentadol is addictive, even though it is one of the least potent opioids. Nonetheless, it still falls under Schedule II controlled substances, meaning its potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction is similar to that of hydrocodone, morphine, and other such opioids.

Anyone who uses tapentadol risks becoming dependent on it, even those who thoroughly follow their doctor’s instructions. This risk increases with prolonged use of the drug and tapentadol abuse.

Though tapentadol is thought to have a lower abuse potential than typical opioids, it’s not unusual for people to take it in other ways than prescribed to enhance its euphoric effects. 

Most commonly, people abuse tapentadol by taking it:

• Without a valid prescription
• More frequently than instructed
• In higher doses than prescribed
• For recreational rather than medical purposes
• Together with other substances, such as alcohol or other opioids
• In other ways than prescribed, such as snorting crushed tapentadol tablets

The bottom line is that you should always follow your doctor’s recommendations when taking tapentadol to reduce the risk of dependence and addiction. Nonetheless, you may still become dependent on it, especially if you take it for an extended period of time.

Tapentadol Abuse Statistics

According to the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, the data on tapentadol abuse and dependence is limited, as “tapentadol has not yet appeared in many drug use surveys or surveillance reports.”

While there isn’t nearly as much research on tapentadol as on other opioids, here are some statistics and scientific findings that can shed more light on tapentadol abuse and addiction:

• Immediate-release tapentadol users are 65% less likely to struggle with opioid abuse compared to immediate-release oxycodone users.
• A 2019 study of three tapentadol dependence cases suggests that some people may develop tolerance and cravings for tapentadol within as little as one month following initiation.

Tapentadol Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Although it is an atypical opioid, the signs and symptoms of tapentadol addiction are no different from those of any opioid addiction.

While dependency is characterized by the inability to control tapentadol use, it can also manifest in other physical and behavioral signs and symptoms. If you’re taking tapentadol, it’s in your best interest to become familiar with these—after all, no one is immune to becoming dependent on or addicted to it.

Tapentadol Addiction Physical Symptoms

People addicted to tapentadol experience withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, diarrhea, and muscle aches, when they discontinue the drug.

Depending on the formulation of tapentadol, your metabolic rate, and similar factors, these symptoms may start as early as within 6 hours or as late as within 30 hours after the last dose.

Some other common physical symptoms of tapentadol abuse and addiction include:

• Seizures
• Appetite loss
• Slurred speech
• Breathing difficulties
• Impaired coordination
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss

Depression, anxiety, mood fluctuations, and other psychological symptoms may also indicate an addiction to tapentadol.

Tapentadol Addiction Behavioral Symptoms

Here are some common behaviors people addicted to opioids, including tapentadol, share:

• Lying about tapentadol use
• Becoming isolated from family and friends
• Struggling to quit or cut back on tapentadol
• Worsening performance in school or at work
• Showing disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
• Failing to fulfill personal and professional obligations
• Being preoccupied with obtaining or using tapentadol
• Experiencing financial problems due to tapentadol use
• Misusing tapentadol (e.g., taking more of it than prescribed)
• Attempting to obtain tapentadol at any cost (by stealing, lying, doctor shopping, etc.)

Tapentadol Dependence vs. Tapentadol Addiction

Tapentadol Addiction Causes and Risk Factors

The underlying cause of tapentadol dependence and addiction is the neurochemical imbalance that occurs in the central nervous system (CNS) due to regular exposure to the drug.

Although tapentadol is considered an atypical opioid due to its dual mechanism of action, this doesn’t change the fact that it affects the brain in the same way as typical opioids.

Over time, tapentadol inhibits the natural production of endorphins and causes the brain to create more and more opioid receptors, leading to tolerance. This means that you’ll eventually stop feeling its effects unless you increase the dosage.

This is a sign of tapentadol dependence; people dependent on tapentadol can’t function normally without taking it. Its absence induces uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, making it challenging to quit it.

If you don’t seek treatment, this physical dependence can eventually develop into a tapentadol addiction. Those addicted to tapentadol find it extremely hard to control their opioid use, even though it negatively impacts their lives.

Tapentadol Withdrawal Symptoms

Tapentadol withdrawal symptoms are inevitable for anyone dependent on this drug. These symptoms, which can be both physical and psychological, occur when people stop taking the medication or reduce their tapentadol dosage after becoming dependent.

The onset and duration of tapentadol withdrawal symptoms vary from one person to another, depending on individual factors like metabolism, age, etc. The type of tapentadol you take can also affect this, with withdrawal symptoms from extended-release tapentadol starting later and lasting longer.

Some withdrawal symptoms you can expect to experience after quitting tapentadol include:

• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Dilated pupils
• Muscle aches
• Stomach discomfort
• High blood pressure
• Tapentadol cravings
• Nausea and vomiting

Managing these symptoms on your own is not only difficult but also dangerous due to the increased risk of relapse, overdose, and death.

To minimize these risks and make a lasting recovery, you should seek professional help as soon as you decide to quit tapentadol.

Risks of Tapentadol Overdose

Tapentadol overdose is one of the greatest dangers of tapentadol dependence, as it can cause you to take increasingly larger amounts of the drug. It is a life-threatening emergency that happens when you take a higher amount of the drug than your body can tolerate.

Compared to most opioids, tapentadol carries a relatively low risk of overdose. However, just because it is fairly weak, it doesn’t mean that you can’t overdose on it. Tapentadol overdoses are no less dangerous than those of other opioids; receiving prompt medical help is the only way to prevent death.

Relapse is particularly dangerous, as it lowers your tolerance. Therefore, even your typical dose might be potent enough to cause an overdose. Likewise, opioid-naive people can overdose on lower doses than those with a high tolerance to tapentadol. In any case, you should never take more tapentadol than prescribed.

If you or someone around you displays the following signs of a tapentadol overdose, seek medical attention immediately:

• Coma
• Fainting
• Blurry vision
• Constricted pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Unresponsiveness
• Stiff or limp muscles
• Extreme drowsiness
• Slowed, shallow breathing
• Low heart rate and blood pressure

How to Prevent Tapentadol Addiction

You can only prevent tapentadol addiction by not taking this drug in the first place.

If possible, discuss safer, non-opioid treatment alternatives with your doctor to minimize the risk of developing opioid dependence and addiction before starting tapentadol treatment.

If you can’t avoid taking tapentadol, take your medication for the shortest time possible, as the longer you take it, the more likely you are to become dependent.

Here’s what else you can do to reduce the risk of tapentadol addiction:

• Take tapentadol strictly as prescribed.
• Do not increase your tapentadol dosage without your doctor’s permission.
• Do not mix tapentadol with alcohol or other substances that may interact with it.
• If you take other medications, including herbal medicines and supplements, consult with your doctor to make sure they can be safely taken with tapentadol.
• Inform your doctor about any side effects you’re experiencing while taking your medication.

ANR Treatment for Tapentadol Dependence

Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is an ultra-modern tapentadol dependence treatment that has helped nearly 25,000 people worldwide break free from opioid dependence.

ANR is the first and only opioid dependence treatment that addresses the underlying cause of the issue. As such, it has a very high success rate.

The ANR treatment eliminates tapentadol dependence by restoring your brain to its pre-dependence state. This is achieved by re-regulating the endorphin-receptor system, which restores normal brain function and eradicates withdrawal symptoms. As a result, ANR negates the risk of relapse.

Moreover, each treatment is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and medical history. Therefore, ANR is safe and suitable even for those with complex medical issues like heart or kidney disease. 

The ANR procedure is performed by highly experienced board-certified medical professionals in an ICU setting of accredited hospitals. While the procedure itself takes 4–6 hours, the hospital stay for ANR patients lasts only 36 hours on average.

For more information, contact us to book a free, 100% confidential consultation. 

Key Takeaways

Contrary to popular belief, tapentadol isn’t safe—though atypical, it is still an opioid and carries the same risks.

For this reason, it’s best to avoid taking it whenever possible; if you must take it, do so responsibly.

Now, let’s summarize the key points we covered:

• Tapentadol is a dual-acting opioid used to relieve moderate-to-severe acute and chronic pain.
• Feeling unable to control tapentadol use, slurred speech, spending a significant amount of time getting or using tapentadol, and appetite loss are some signs indicating that you might be addicted to tapentadol.
• The ANR treatment heals tapentadol dependence by tackling its root cause—the endorphin-receptor imbalance resulting from repeated opioid exposure.