What is Tapentadol ? & What is Tramadol ?
Tapentadol and Tramadol are both opioids used to treat moderate to severe pain. While both drugs have similar mechanisms of action and indications for use, they have some key differences in terms of their potency, efficacy, and side effect profile. In this article, we will explore the question of whether tapentadol is stronger than tramadol and what factors contribute to this comparison.
Mechanism of Action
Both tapentadol and tramadol work by binding to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. However, tapentadol has an additional mechanism of action, as it also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain. This action results in an increase in norepinephrine levels, which can help to provide additional pain relief and improve mood. In contrast, tramadol only inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, which may also have some effect on pain perception and mood, but to a lesser degree than norepinephrine.
Potency
Tapentadol is generally considered to be more potent than tramadol, with an analgesic efficacy similar to that of oxycodone. In fact, tapentadol is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Tramadol, on the other hand, is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, indicating a lower potential for abuse and dependence. The potency of tapentadol can be attributed to its dual mechanism of action, which allows for more effective pain relief.
Efficacy
In clinical studies, tapentadol has been shown to be more effective than tramadol in relieving moderate to severe pain. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with moderate to severe chronic low back pain, tapentadol provided significantly greater pain relief than tramadol over a 12-week treatment period. In another study of patients with chronic osteoarthritis pain, tapentadol was also found to be more effective than tramadol in reducing pain intensity and improving physical function. The efficacy of tapentadol can be attributed to its unique mechanism of action, which allows for a more comprehensive approach to pain relief.
Side Effects
Both tapentadol and tramadol have similar side effect profiles, including nausea, constipation, dizziness, and somnolence. However, tapentadol has been associated with a lower incidence of certain side effects, such as vomiting and pruritus (itching), compared to tramadol. Tapentadol may also be associated with a lower risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when there is an excess of serotonin in the body. This is likely due to the fact that tapentadol has a lower affinity for the serotonin transporter compared to tramadol.
Dosage and Administration
Tapentadol is typically administered in doses ranging from 50 to 250 mg every 4 to 6 hours, while tramadol is typically administered in doses ranging from 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum daily dose of tapentadol is 600 mg, while the maximum daily dose of tramadol is 400 mg. It is important to note that both drugs should be used with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, as they have a high potential for abuse and dependence.
You can check more dosages & its brands:
Tapentadol 100mg:
Tramadol 100mg:
Conclusion
In conclusion, tapentadol is generally considered to be stronger than tramadol in terms of its potency and efficacy in treating moderate to severe pain. This can be attributed to its unique dual mechanism of action, which allows for a more comprehensive approach to pain relief. While both drugs have similar side effect profiles, tapentadol may be associated with a lower incidence of certain side effects and a lower