The pain relief effect of Tapentadol is realized about 30 minutes after administration in tablet form. Tapentadol stays in your system for about 22 hours, depending on a variety of individual factors, detailed below.

The pain relief effect of Tapentadol is realized about 30 minutes after administration in tablet form. Tapentadol stays in your system about 22 hours, depending on a variety of individual factors, detailed below.

Inform your doctor if you start to experience side effects from Tapentadol and avoid any medications that may interact with your prescription, including alcohol, while it remains in your system. If you’re unsure about the safety of taking other medications or drinking alcohol after taking your prescription of Tapentadol, bring this up to your doctor.

Tapentadol Prescription Facts

Tapentadol is a benzenoid class opioid, prescribed to treat moderate to severe short-term musculoskeletal pain. If medication tends to make you feel nauseous, it’s best to take Tapentadol with food. Tapentadol is generally low in side effect incidences compared to other opioids, but they are still possible. Some common side effects from this medication may include vomiting, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness.

As with most medications, there is a risk of more serious side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Confusion
  • Stomach/abdominal pain
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Weight loss

Notify your doctor regarding any reactions you experience while taking Tapentadol, so your condition can be properly monitored. This not only ensures your safety and health while taking Tapentadol, but it helps your doctor to provide a high level of care.

Tapentadol Regulations

The FDA listed Tapentadol as a schedule II drug under the Controlled Substance Act in 2009. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for physical dependence or psychological addiction, and misuse.

Most Commonly Abused Drugs Containing Tapentadol

Drugs containing Tapentadol include Duovolt, Lucynta, Transdol, Tydol, and Xtradol. Although medications containing Tapentadol are listed as a schedule II controlled substance and have the possibility of misuse, the chances are low.

If you do feel you or a loved one is misusing a drug containing Tapentadol, contact your doctor or a supportive center such as The Recovery Village for help.

How Tapentadol Affects the Brain and Body

Tapentadol is a chemical that binds and activates opioid receptor in the central nervous system to change the way your body interprets pain. It also blocks the norepinephrine transporter, a protein, causing an increase in norepinephrine, epinephrine, and adrenergic neurotransmission. Tapentadol minimizes the serotonin in your brain and doesn’t require metabolism to be active.

As mentioned, Tapentadol is meant to provide relief from short-term moderate to severe pain, and its effects can be felt within 30 minutes of administration.

Tapentadol has an effect on your central nervous system and gastrointestinal system, so drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication and report any problems to your doctor.

Do not abruptly stop taking Tapentadol or any opioid, as you may have psychological or physical withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor for assistance in weaning yourself off of this prescription.

Half-Life of Tapentadol

The half-life of a medication is the time it takes for the effectiveness to be cut in half after a person stops taking his last dose. The half-life for Tapentadol is approximately 3.93 hours.

Factors That Influence How Long Tapentadol Stays In Your System

There are many factors that influence how long Tapentadol will stay in your system after the last dose. These factors include metabolic rate, body mass, activity, age, overall health, tolerance, dosage and how long you’ve been taking Tapentadol.

Your doctor can help you figure out the approximate time frame Tapentadol will stay in your system, based on your unique factors. It is also key to inform your doctor of your complete medical history.

How Long Does Tapentadol Stay In Your Urine, Hair, and Blood?

Tapentadol is an opioid and will show up in a drug test screening, so you should inform the drug test administrator if you are taking or have recently taken this prescription. Tapentadol will stay in urine for 3 to 4 days and blood for no more than a day, but it will stay in your hair considerably longer. Drug tests on your hair can show traces of tapentadol for up to 90 days after the last dose.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.