Tapentadol is a prescription pain medication used to manage moderate to severe acute or chronic pain. It acts by targeting the brain's pain receptors, combining opioid agonist activity with norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. This dual-action makes Tapentadol effective in treating pain from conditions such as nerve damage, injury, or surgery.

Unlike some opioids, Tapentadol is known for its lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation, making it a preferred choice for long-term pain management. However, like other opioids, it carries the risk of dependency, misuse, and addiction if not used as directed.