Tapentadol and Tramadol are two drugs that are often mentioned while discussing managing pain. Both of these drugs are used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they have different characteristics, advantages, and side effects. This blog entry compares Tapentadol vs Tramadol, including their advantages, side effects, dosage, and other facts.
Understanding Tapentadol and Tramadol
Tapentadol
Tapentadol is a centrally acting opioid analgesic. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and decreasing norepinephrine reuptake, which aids pain relief. Tapentadol is sold under many brand names, including Nucynta.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a centrally acting opioid analgesic with a dual mode of action. It binds to mu-opioid receptors, inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Tramadol is generally recognized by brand names such as Ultram.
Benefits of Tapentadol
- Effective Pain Relief: Tapentadol is beneficial in treating both acute and chronic pain disorders.
- Lower Risk of Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Tapentadol has less gastrointestinal side effects than other opioids, including nausea and constipation.
- Dual mode: Its dual mode of action (opioid receptor binding and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition) may be especially effective for neuropathic pain.
Benefits of Tramadol
- Versatility: Tramadol is beneficial for a wide range of pains, including surgical pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain problems.
- Lower Risk of Respiratory Depression: Lower Risk of Respiratory Depression: Tramadol is less likely to cause respiratory depression than other opioids, making it a safer alternative for certain patients.
- Antidepressant Properties: Tramadol’s antidepressant properties, which work on serotonin and norepinephrine, may provide extra advantages for people with concomitant depression.
Side Effects of Tapentadol
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Dizziness
· Drowsiness
· Headache
· Itching
Side Effects of Tramadol
· Nausea
· Dizziness
· Constipation
· Headache
· Drowsiness
· Dry mouth
· Sweating
· Risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs
Dosage of Tapentadol
Tapentadol is normally available in both immediate and extended-release forms. The first dosage of immediate-release is typically Tapentadol 50mg or Tapentadol100mg every 4-6 hours, as required. For extended-release versions, the usual beginning dosage is 50 mg twice day.
Dosage of Tramadol
Tramadol is also available in immediate and extended-release forms. The usual beginning dosage for immediate-release Tramadol is 50mg every 4-6 hours, with no more than 400 mg per day. For extended-release, the typical beginning dosage is Tramadol 100 mg once day.
Additional Information
Contraindications
Both drugs should be taken with care in individuals with a history of substance misuse, severe respiratory problems, or those taking other central nervous system depressants.
Drug interactions
Tapentadol and tramadol may interact with a variety of medicines. Tramadol, in particular, is more likely to cause interactions owing to its influence on serotonin levels. Before taking or discontinuing these drugs, talk with a healthcare practitioner.
Special Populations
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tapentadol and tramadol should only be taken if the possible advantages outweigh the hazards to the fetus or newborn.
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the effects of certain drugs and need lesser dosages.