Almost 50 million adults suffer from chronic pain in the USA. Chronic pain is often very hard to ignore as it affects many aspects of our lives. To help relieve lasting pain, health care administers painkillers. Two such painkillers are Tapentadol and Oxycodone. Though both are pain relief medicines they may differ from each other in some cases. So, this blog mainly focuses on the comparison of Tapentadol Vs Oxycodone. So, let’s start!
What is Oxycodone
An opioid medication administered to treat moderate to severe pain is Oxycodone. Oxycodone is a prescription-only medication drug, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the conditions of mild to severe pain in patients. The main purpose of this medication is to alter the manner in which the brain perceives pain.
Oxycodone is the generic name of this drug. Branded names of oxycodone are Oxycontin, Roxicodone, etc.
What is Tapentadol
Similarly to oxycodone, tapentadol is also a narcotic pain medication (narcotic is another term for opioids). It is also used to provide relief from mild to severe pain. Tapentadol is a prescription-only drug, which is approved by the FDA. This medication changes the way in which a patient’s brain responds to pain.
Brand names of tapentadol are Nucynta and Nucynta ER.
Comparison: Tapentadol Vs Oxycodone
Uses: Tapentadol Vs Oxycodone
In this section, we will learn about the usage of oxycodone and tapentadol.
Use of Oxycodone
Oxycodone is administered to individuals whose pain cannot be controlled by other medications. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Use of Tapentadol
Tapentadol is prescribed to provide comfort from the pain that can’t be treated with other drugs. This medication is also provided to patients who are suffering from moderate to severe pain.
Forms of Oxycodone and Tapentadol
Forms of Oxycodone
Oxycodone is available in the form of capsules, tablets, and oral solutions.
(i) Capsule:
Immediate-release capsules are of the strength of 5 mg.
(ii) Tablets:
(a) Immediate-release tablets of oxycodone are 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg strengths.
(b) Extended-release tablets of oxycodone are 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg strengths.
(iii) Oral Solution:
Oral solution of strength 5mg/5ml can be purchased.
Forms of Tapentadol
Tapentadol is available in the form of oral tablets.
(I) Immediate-release oral tablets:
These are available in strengths of 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg.
(II) Extended-release oral tablets:
These are available in strengths of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg and 250 mg.
Dosages of Oxycodone and Tapentadol:
Oxycodone
For Acute Pain
The initial dosage of oxycodone is oxycodone 5 mg to 15 mg is administered, in every 4 to 6 hours for adults. For children, a dosage strength of 0.05 mg to 0.15 mg is given. In both cases, the dosage strength can be changed, depending upon the needs of the patient. Side effects should be carefully monitored before increasing the dose.
For Chronic Pain
For chronic pain, it is recommended to start with a minimal possible dosage of 2.5 mg, and dosage strength can be increased. However, any alteration of dosage strength should be done after careful checking of potential side effects.
Tapentadol
It is recommended to start with the lowest possible dose and increase it according to the need. For adults, the initial dose of immediate-release 50 to 100 mg tablets, in every 4 to 6 hours is administered. Extended-release tablets of strength 50 mg are initially prescribed, these are to be taken twice a day.
As with oxycodone, the dosage strength should be regulated based on the needs of the patient. Any regulation is done with thorough consideration of possible side effects.
Side effects of Oxycodone and Tapentadol
Both of these opioid medications can show side effects. Some side effects of each are listed below:
Common Side Effects of Oxycodone:
- Redness of the face, neck, and upper chest
- Feeling lethargic
- Abdominal pain
- Mood swings
- Xerostomia or Dry mouth
Some Serious Side Effects of Oxycodone
The following side effects are less common. Inform the doctor immediately if you face any of the following:
- Irregularities with menstruation
- Reduced libido
- Agitation
- Hallucination
- Excessive sweating
- Harsh rashes
- Excessive sweating
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Nausea
Common Side Effects of Tapentadol:
- Dry Mouth
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Laziness
- Insomnia
- Abdominal Pain
Serious Side Effects of Tapentadol:
In rare cases, tapentadol can cause serious side effects. The following side effects should not be neglected:
- Excessive Sweating
- Faintness
- Itching and rashes
- Feeling too hot
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Having problem swallowing
- Swelling in face
Precautions:
- Oxycodone and tapentadol are both opioids and can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
- Both of these drugs should not be administered to women who are breastfeeding.
- These medications can cause breathing problems while sleeping.
- These medication drugs are narcotics, and hence, should not be taken with other narcotics
- Alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided during the course of treatment of these drugs.
- Activation of any heavy machinery should be avoided if the patient is under the influence of these drugs.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the article Tapentadol Vs Oxycodone concludes that both medicines are used to treat pain. But both medicines Tapentadol and Oxycodone have both advantages and disadvantages. So, it will be helpful for you to follow the doctor’s instructions. Hope, this blog will be informative for you!
