Nucynta
(tapentadol)
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Our bottom line
Nucynta (tapentadol) is a good option to treat pain and may be more tolerable than other opioid pain medications.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- In studies, Nucynta (tapentadol) was effective in treating certain kinds of pain.
- May not cause as much nausea and constipation as other opioid pain medicines.
- You can take Nucynta (tapentadol) with or without food; it makes no difference.
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What to expect from Nucynta, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- If you're taking the immediate release form of Nucynta (tapentadol), you may need to take it up to 6 times a day to relieve your pain.
- You may not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how Nucynta (tapentadol) affects you.
- Nucynta (tapentadol) may increase the chance of seizures.
- Nucynta (tapentadol) is more expensive than most other opioid pain medications. A generic option of Nucynta (tapentadol) is not available.
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What to expect from Nucynta, on one page
Download Fact SheetNucynta (tapentadol) is an opioid medicine that works in the brain to lower the amount of pain you feel.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$203.19
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$204.53
What to expect when you take Nucynta (tapentadol) for Pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
- Itchy skin
Side effect rates for Nucynta (tapentadol)
- Nausea30%30%13%13%
- Dizziness24%24%8%8%
- Vomiting18%18%4%4%
- Sleepiness15%15%3%3%
- Constipation8%8%3%3%
- Itchy skin5%5%1%1%
- Dry mouth4%4%
- Exessive sweating3%3%1%1%
- Indigestion2%2%
- Decreased appetite2%2%
- Trouble sleeping2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Nucynta.
People taking Nucynta felt side effect more
People taking Nucynta felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Nucynta (tapentadol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking more than the prescribed dose
- › Long-term use
- › History of drug abuse
- › Younger age
- › Depression
- › Alcoholism
You may become physically dependent on Nucynta (tapentadol) if you have been using it regularly for several weeks or longer. If you suddenly stop taking it, you will feel withdrawal symptoms. Take only your prescribed dose and talk to your doctor about alternatives if this is a concern.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Nucynta (tapentadol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- You should avoid alcohol and medications containing alcohol (ethanol) while on the extended release formulation of Nucynta (tapentadol). Alcohol can increase the amount of Nucynta (tapentadol) in your body and cause a life-threatening overdose.
- You can take Nucynta (tapentadol) with or without food; it makes no difference.
- Call your doctor if the dose you are taking does not control your pain. Do not take more than your prescribed dose.