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Tapentadol

Brand names: Nucynta, Nucynta ER

Tapentadol is an opioid for moderate to severe pain, including diabetic nerve pain (extended-release).

Brand namesNucynta, Nucynta ER
Type of medicineOpioid pain medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's a controlled substance.

What it's used for

  • Severe short-term pain
  • Severe long-lasting pain
  • Diabetic nerve pain (ER)

How to take it

  • Take it exactly as prescribed.
  • Swallow extended-release tablets whole.
  • Keep naloxone (Narcan) at home and show family where it is. It can reverse an opioid overdose.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Constipation
Call 911Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue lips, or can't be woken up
Call 911Agitation, fever, sweating, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call 911Seizure

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: addiction, slowed breathing, and accidental ingestion.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Taking it with alcohol, benzodiazepines (like alprazolam or lorazepam), sleep medicines, gabapentin, or other opioids can slow breathing and cause death.
  • Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • Antidepressants add serotonin syndrome risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Long-term use in pregnancy can cause withdrawal in the newborn.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.