Is tapentadol a strong opioid? Understanding its dual-action and classification
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4 min read
Tapentadol, a centrally-acting analgesic, possesses a unique dual mechanism of action that differentiates it from traditional opioids like morphine. While it does act on the mu-opioid receptor, the question of 'is tapentadol a strong opioid?' is more nuanced due to its second, non-opioid pathway involving norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. This combination allows it to provide potent pain relief, comparable to other strong opioids, but with a potentially more favorable side-effect profile, particularly concerning gastrointestinal issues.