Tapentadol, sold under the brand name Tapsmart, is a prescription opioid medication used to relieve moderate to severe acute pain. It belongs to the same class of drugs as morphine and oxycodone, but it is said to have a lower risk of abuse and addiction.
How to Take Tapsmart
Tapsmart is available in tablet and extended-release capsule form. The tablet form is taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. The extended-release capsule is taken once or twice daily.
The usual starting dose for Tapsmart is 50 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. The dose may be increased gradually as needed, but should not exceed 600 mg per day.
Tapsmart should be taken with food to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting. Do not take Tapsmart more often than prescribed.
Precautions When Taking Tapsmart
- Do not take Tapsmart if you are allergic to it or to any of its ingredients.
- Do not take Tapsmart if you have severe respiratory depression or sleep apnea.
- Do not take Tapsmart with alcohol or other sedatives.
- Do not operate heavy machinery or drive a vehicle while taking Tapsmart.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Common Side Effects of Tapsmart
The most common side effects of Tapsmart include:
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Constipation
* Dizziness
* Headache
* Itching
* Rash
Serious Side Effects of Tapsmart
Serious side effects of Tapsmart are rare, but can include:
- Respiratory depression
- Seizures
- Serotonin syndrome
- Liver failure
- Death
How to Stop Taking Tapsmart
Do not stop taking Tapsmart suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
* Anxiety
* Agitation
* Insomnia
* Sweating
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
If you need to stop taking Tapsmart, talk to your doctor about how to do so gradually.
Tapsmart Dosing Considerations
The following are dosing considerations for Tapsmart:
Tapsmart 100 mg: For acute pain, the recommended starting dose is tapsmart 100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. The dose may be increased gradually as needed, but should not exceed 600 mg per day.
Tapsmart (tapentadol) 200 mg: For acute pain, the recommended starting dose is tapsmart 200 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. The dose may be increased gradually as needed, but should not exceed 600 mg per day.
Conclusion
Tapsmart is a safe and effective medication for the treatment of acute pain. It is important to take Tapsmart as directed by your doctor and to be aware of the potential side effects. If you have any questions or concerns about Tapsmart, talk to your doctor.
