It is crucial to thoroughly review your complete medical history with your doctor at the start of any treatment program. This includes prescriptions, non-prescriptions, vitamins, supplements and alcohol consumption habits.
Side Effects, Interactions & Risks
It is crucial to thoroughly review your complete medical history with your doctor at the start of any treatment program. This includes prescriptions, non-prescriptions, vitamins, supplements and alcohol consumption habits. By discussing your complete medical history with your doctor, you are providing the tools he needs to make the safest choice for your care. Your doctor will decide whether Tapentadol is the right medication for your treatment and will help you to fit the treatment in to your lifestyle.
It is important to check all your medications for alcohol content, such as cold medicines, to ensure you don’t accidentally consume alcohol products while taking Tapentadol. You should also actively avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking Tapentadol. Drinking alcohol while taking Tapentadol can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, increased impairment, sedation, respiratory depression, and death. Combining alcohol with Tapentadol or any other sedative can have similar effects.
What is Tapentadol?
Tapentadol is a benzenoid class opioid prescribed to treat moderate to severe short-term musculoskeletal pain. If medications typically make you feel nauseous, take Tapentadol with food. Tapentadol is generally low in side effect incidences compared to other opioids, but some may occur. Other common side effects from this medication may include vomiting, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness.
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.
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
Inform your doctor about any reactions you have during your Tapentadol treatment program, so your condition can be properly monitored. This not only ensures your safety and health while taking Tapentadol, but it helps your doctor provide the best care.
Mixing Alcohol and Tapentadol
As mentioned above, mixing alcohol with Tapentadol can lead to serious side effects, including death. Avoid alcohol or limit the use of alcohol while prescribed Tapentadol and keep your doctor informed about any addictional drugs you’re taking to avoid interactions.
Summing Up: Side Effects, Interactions, and the Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Tapentadol
Tapentadol is a benzenoid class opioid and should not be mixed with alcohol. Doing so can lead to a variety of side effects, the least being increased dizziness and the most being death. Don’t take chances given these serious side effects. Avoid alcohol and anything containing alcohol while taking Tapentadol.
Be honest with your doctor about your alcohol habits and whether you feel you can abstain from alcohol while taking Tapentadol. If you feel you cannot avoid alcohol while taking this prescription, discuss other pain relief options with your doctor. Together you can make a decision that is right for you and your lifestyle.
If you feel you or a loved one is misusing Tapentadol or alcohol, don’t wait to get help. We can help you overcome your substance use disorder today.
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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.