Published on 26 August 2022

Tapentadol Vs Tramadol: Comparison, Similarities

Tramadol (Ultram) tapentadol-vs-tramadol
Table of Contents

Questions arise when you look over two medications with the same output. Some might quickly get you through the cure path, and others might take longer. Everything depends on the condition and the severity a person goes through. 

You compare two medications when it's necessary to choose between the two best medicines. You might always be confused about curing pain because many treatments are available throughout the pharmaceutical world. 

When you see, Tapentadol and Tramadol these medications work the best for treating pain-like situations. Pain can be caused for many reasons but curing it rapidly is a task by medicine. The active ingredients have a different approach to fixing any of the conditions. Know more in detail.

Commonality Between Tapentadol And Tramadol

Tapentadol and Tramadol are opioid medications used for similar ailments. Both drugs are analgesic agents with multiple mechanisms of action, i.e., norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors with weak opioid agonist activity.

Contrary Between Tapentadol And Tramadol

Tapentadol is not a prodrug as it does not depend on metabolism to get it working. Contrary, Tramadol is a prodrug as it does not do anything on its own and gets metabolized in the liver by the cyp450 enzyme into active chemicals.  

Tramadol and Tapentadol share a mixed mechanism of action, including monoaminergic and µ-agonist properties. Tramadol also has serotonin reuptake-inhibiting properties associated with prominent side effects, including nausea and seizures. 

Tapentadol is nearly two to three times more potent than Tramadol and two to three times less potent than morphine.

What Is Tapentadol?

People commonly use Tapentadol to treat sudden pain situations. This works so efficiently within the body that it heals the pain quickly. Extended-release of Tapentadol medication works on neuropathic pain in people with diabetes. 

Questions arise when you look over two medications with the same output. Some might quickly get you through the cure path, and others might take longer. Everything depends on the condition and the severity a person goes through. 

You compare two medications when it's necessary to choose between the two best medicines. You might always be confused about curing pain because many treatments are available throughout the pharmaceutical world. 

When you see, Tapentadol and Tramadol these medications work the best for treating pain-like situations. Pain can be caused for many reasons but curing it rapidly is a task by medicine. The active ingredients have a different approach to fixing any of the conditions. Know more in detail.

Commonality Between Tapentadol And Tramadol

Tapentadol and Tramadol are opioid medications used for similar ailments. Both drugs are analgesic agents with multiple mechanisms of action, i.e., norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors with weak opioid agonist activity.

Contrary Between Tapentadol And Tramadol

Tapentadol is not a prodrug as it does not depend on metabolism to get it working. Contrary, Tramadol is a prodrug as it does not do anything on its own and gets metabolized in the liver by the cyp450 enzyme into active chemicals.  

Tramadol and Tapentadol share a mixed mechanism of action, including monoaminergic and µ-agonist properties. Tramadol also has serotonin reuptake-inhibiting properties associated with

prominent side effects, including nausea and seizures. 
Tapentadol is nearly two to three times more potent than Tramadol and two to three times less potent than morphine.

What Is Tapentadol?

People commonly use Tapentadol to treat sudden pain situations. This works so efficiently within the body that it heals the pain quickly. Extended-release of Tapentadol medication works on neuropathic pain in people with diabetes. 

It is mainly suggested when no other pain medications work on your condition. It is not indicated for people who have not consumed any solid narcotic drugs. This could be harmful if consumed by kids and also adults.

How Does Tapentadol Work?

The first way Tapentadol works on the human body is through the brain. Any pain caused in the body is first delivered to the brain. Once you consume the medication, it works on opioid receptors. This is present in the CNS (Central nervous system). It blocks the way signals are sent to the brain.

What Is Tramadol?

Tramadol drug is an opioid-based drug. This drug is commonly used when the person is suffering from ordinary to difficult pain-like situations. But the thing with Tramadol is it should be only used when no other pain medication is working on the condition. 

Tramadol is not allowed to use when you are suffering from chronic pain. This medication is not well suited to cure the condition. It is better to inform about the medicine before consuming it. 

How Does Tramadol Work?

Medications that belong to the same drug class work the same. Tramadol helps the pain sensation to overcome in the brain. The components in the brain, called endorphins, lower the pain sensation by sending messages to the brain. This reduces the pain, and you have a calming effect on your body.

Tapentadol And Tramadol Similarities And Comparison Assessment

The similarities and differences between Tapentadol and Tramadol are further examined below- 

Similarity Assessment 

 

Tapentadol

Tramadol

1. Indications

-      Moderate-to-severe pain

-      It is used for short-term and max. of three weeks of continuous use

-      Moderate-to-severe pain

is used for short-term and max. of three weeks of continuous use

2. Legal Status

-      Australia (controlled drug)

-      Canada (Schedule I)

-      UK (Schedule II)

-      USA (Schedule II)

-      Australia (Prescription only)

-      Canada (Prescription only)

-      UK (Schedule III)

-      USA (Schedule IV)

3. Efficacy

-      30 min from the administration

-      30 min from the administration

Use in Pregnancy

-  Not advised

-  Not advised

Comparative Assessment

 

Tapentadol

Tramadol

4. Brand Name

-      Nucynta

-      Ultram

5. FDA Approval

-      Yes, in the year 2005

-      Yes, in the year 2008

6. Class of drug

-      Strong opioid

-      Weak opioid

7. Legal Status

-      Australia (controlled drug)

-      Canada (Schedule I)

-      UK (Schedule II)

-      USA (Schedule II)

-      Australia (Prescription only)

-      Canada (Prescription only)

-      UK (Schedule III)

-      USA (Schedule IV)

8. Dosage

-      Recommended daily dose is 600 to 700 mg without significant contraindications

-      10 to 15mg every 4-6 hrs for moderate to severe acute pain

-      Recommended daily dose is 25 to 100mg every 4-6 hrs

-      Max. The daily dose is 400 mg (adults)

Dosage Form

-      Are produced as oral tablets only

-      Produced as oral, IV solution, and rectal suppository

-      Available as immediate and delayed-release formulations

Elimination half-life

-      4-6 hrs

-      Drug eliminated through urine and feces

-      2-6 hrs

-      Drug eliminated through urine and feces

Possible Side Effects Of Tapentadol And Tramadol

Tapentadol is a highly tolerant pain medication making it a safer option. However, improper administration and abuse can develop adverse signs in users. Some side effects one may experience from these opioid analgesics are-

Common Side effects of Tapentadol,

Common Side Effects of Tramadol

Headache

Headache

Heartburn

Heartburn

Drowsiness

Nervousness

Irritability

Sleepiness

Difficulty sleeping

Dry mouth

Excessive tiredness

Muscle tightness

Some side effects can be severe or life-threatening. If you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms, contact a healthcare doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:

Severe Side Effects of Tapentadol

Severe Side Effects of Tramadol

Seizures

Seizures

Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing

Irregular menstruation

Swelling in the body

hallucination

Agitation

Reduces sexual desire

Change in a heartbeat

Chest pain

Excess sweating

Interactions Of Tapentadol And Tramadol

The interaction of drugs may change how a drug works or increase the risk of severe side effects. Talking to the concerned doctor before starting, stopping, or altering any medication is recommended.

Drugs that interact with Tapentadol

Drugs that interact with Tramadol

Benzodiazepines 

Celebrex (celecoxib)

Serotonergic drugs

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Mixed Agonist/Antagonist

Lexapro (escitalopram)

Muscle relaxants

Tylenol (acetaminophen)

Anticholinergic Drugs

Lyrica (pregabalin)

When Not To Take Tapentadol Or Tramadol?

There are instances where you should not take medicines. If you take it, then there might be severe consequences you have to bare with. So doctors advice not to consume any such with particular medications. The following conditions are contraindicated with these drugs:

Tapentadol

Tramadol

Alcohol intoxication

Low blood sugar

Low blood pressure

Alcohol intoxication

Reduced function of the adrenal gland

Suicidal behavior, depression

Decreased lung function

Reduced function of the adrenal gland

Seizures

Asthma

Liver problems

Decreased lung function

Sleep apnea

Breastfeeding

Asthma attack

Blockage of the stomach or intestine

Look for clinical counsel from your doctor if you have any of the conditions mentioned above.

User Review

Evaluating opioid pain medication from trusted medical and health sites indicates its effectiveness and user experience. Several reviews on the prestigious website Drugs show the use of Tramadol and Tapentadol in treating pain.
The reviews of Tramadol and Tapentadol offer a close insight into these opioid drugs. It also allows people to decide on a suitable analgesic for treating their body pain.

Tramadol Review

Tramadol has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 625 ratings for the treatment of Pain. 48% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 34% reported a negative experience.

Tapentadol Review

Tapentadol has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from 374 ratings for the treatment of Pain. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 29% reported a negative experience.

Which is more Effective: Tapentadol vs Tramadol
Every medication has its variations to treat the conditions. When it's time to choose from the best two medicines, it's a bit challenging. But when it comes to Tapentadol and Tramadol, Tapentadol has more efficient in dealing with pain, and quicker results can be seen. 

There is various research which shows more efficacy between these two medicines. But the best someone could be a doctor. Each medication has its originality and will also depend on the person consuming it.

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

From the above comparative study of Tapentadol and Tramadol, opioid analgesics portray similar potency in treating body pain. However, we can conclude from all evidence that Tapentadol is a more tolerant drug than Tramadol, making it a safer choice of opioid medication. 

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