Leading life with chronic pain is not so easy because it will greatly impact our lives in multiple ways. So adopting the finest and effective pain management plan is essential to address the pain caused by different medical problems. Recently Tapentadol emerged as an effective solution to manage several kinds of pain. In this article, we will shed the light on safety and effectiveness of tapentadol then other opioid painkillers. With no delay let us get into the main topic.
A brief Introduction to Tapentadol:
Tapentadol is a newer opioid drug that was released in the early twenty-first century. Because of its dual mode of action, tapentadol differs from typical opioids such as morphine and oxycodone. Tapentadol works as an opioid agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, thus offering pain relief in two ways.
In one method it binds to the opioid pain receptors present in the brain and spinal cord and helps to decrease the pain sensation in individuals. On the other hand, it also decreases the pain by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which is responsible for the regulation of pain pathways in the body
How is Tapentadol safer than other opioid drugs for Chronic Pain?
Tapentadol is safer than other opioid drugs in chronic pain management because of several reasons. Here we discuss the most prevalent reasons for its safety.
Respiratory depression:
One of the most serious issues with conventional opioids is respiratory depression, which can be fatal if not adequately treated. Tapentadol has been proven in tests to be less likely to cause respiratory depression than medicines like morphine. So this is the ideal option for treating chronic pain in people who are having respiratory issues.
Minimal Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects:
Because traditional opioids act on the gut, constipation is a typical side effect. Due to the dual mode of action, tapentadol has fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects including constipation and nausea which improves patient comfort and safety.
Tolerance:
Tapentadol has a high tolerability, with fewer complaints of common opioid-related side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and sedation. So this is the best option for people who are sensitive to other opioid medicines.
Fast onset of action:
Tapentadol has a rather quick onset of action, which is one of its advantages. Tapentadol helps to manage pain in many people in 30 minutes to an hour, thus providing quicker relief and more comfort.
Less Cognitive damage:
Traditional opioids can cause cognitive damage, particularly in the elderly or people with cognitive issues.
But tapentadol does not show negative effects on cognitive performance in people hence it is ideal medicine, especially for older people and those who need more alertness and concentration.
Lowers the risk of Serotonin Syndrome:
Certain opioids, when combined with other medicines or substances, can create serotonin syndrome, a deadly illness caused by an excess of serotonin in the body. Tapentadol users have less risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
Long-term relief:
Tapentadol provides long-term pain relief, which is highly valuable for people suffering from chronic pain.
The effects of tapentadol can last for more time so that patients can feel better for a long time.
Low risk of Abuse:
Currently, opioid abuse is the biggest issue in the medical field. Tapentadol has a lower potential for abuse than other opioids due to its dual mechanism of action. Tapentadol’s reduction of norepinephrine reuptake results in less pleasure and reward reinforcement, making this medication less appealing to persons who may misuse or abuse it. Tapentadol is thus a safer option for persons who have a history of drug or opioid dependence.
Fewer side effects:
General opioid medicines cause side effects like constipation, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. Tapentadol is considered to have less adverse effects than its alternatives. Due to the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake tapentadol shows fewer side effects compared to other opiod medicines.
Concluding words:
Tapentadol’s dual mode of action, along with its lower risk of respiratory depression, lower potential for abuse, improved tolerability, fewer side effects, and lower risk of cognitive impairment and serotonin syndrome, distinguishes it as a better and safer pain relief option than its substitutes. To have an ideal pain management plan with fewer side effects one should need effective guidance, monitoring, and awareness of tapentadol use. Tapentadol can considerably enhance the quality of life for persons suffering from moderate to severe pain when taken cautiously and under adequate medical supervision.