June 28, 2023 Dr. James D Jablonski

Withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol

Some medications can cause withdrawal symptoms, a physiological response when you suddenly stop using a substance on which your body has grown dependent. These withdrawal symptoms caused due to drugs can involve combinations of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. And some of these symptoms can be dangerous if left unmanaged or untreated.

While using a drug like Tapentadol, there is a possibility of dependence on this drug in the consumers. When you stop using it suddenly, you may come across withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol. And you need to know about the withdrawal symptoms of this opioid medication before using it. It will help to prevent the risk of any unwanted symptoms that may appear due to drug dependence caused by Tapentadol. Let's see what the withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol are and how you can manage them. 

What is Tapentadol?

Tapentadol tablets are an opioid pain-relieving medicine taken when a doctor prescribes it to you. It helps relieve moderate to severe short-term pain(such as pain caused due to an injury or after surgery). Tapentadol belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics, synthetic drugs with the same actions as opiates. It works in the brain and changes how your body feels and responds to pain. Suddenly stopping the use of Tapentadol may lead to the risk of facing withdrawal symptoms. 

Tapentadol Withdrawal and Detox

Before you discontinue taking Tapentadol, Talk with your doctor and inform them before stopping it. In most cases, to prevent the risk of withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will gradually lower the doses of Tapentadol; over time. It will allow the patient's body to have enough time to adjust to less and less of the opioid drug(Tapentadol). This method is called a "tapering off" approach that a doctor may use to reduce the chances of dependence on the drug by your body. But, you are not advised to make any changes in Tapentadol treatment related to its schedule or dosage levels without a doctor's advice. 

What are the withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol?

Common withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol that a person may face are-

• Anxiety 
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Vomiting
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Tremors
• Loss of appetite
• Piloerection
• Upper Respiratory symptoms
• Hallucinations
• Fever or chills

Remember, never stop taking Tapentadol as it may cause these mentioned withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor if these symptoms appear when you have stopped taking Tapentadol.

Tapentadol Withdrawal Timeline and Duration of Symptoms

Tapentadol's withdrawal timeline and symptom duration may vary from person to person. It happens because every individual has a unique physiology. Some people get relieved of Tapentadol withdrawal in a shorter period, a few days, while others may take longer, like weeks. Several factors can affect how your body responds to opioid medicine like Tapentadol. It includes factors like age, metabolism, organ function, how long you have taken Tapentadol, and the dosage levels used. 

How do you treat Tapentadol withdrawal symptoms?

Tapering Tapentadol under medical supervision is the best way to manage withdrawal symptoms of this drug. But if you experience these symptoms, you must know they are temporary and do not usually appear dangerous. Your doctor can help you manage them, and you better consult a doctor if you suspect any symptoms after topping Tapentadol. 

You may be advised to non-drug-based strategies to help you manage the withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol. Such as drinking plenty of water will help to avoid dehydration, a common withdrawal symptom of opioid drugs that can make you feel unwell. 

You may also be advised to enter a medically assisted detoxification program. Here, medical professionals assist you in safely cleansing the body from Tapentadol. You must know that not everyone responds to Tapentadol withdrawal similarly. Do not be afraid and seek a detoxification process as needed to manage the withdrawal symptoms of Tadentadol. 

Take family or social support; It is important to lean on your support network. Let your family and friends know that you need some extra support while going through an opioid withdrawal.

Discuss with a medical healthcare professional to seek treatments or strategies if you deal with withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol. Once you suspect you have developed withdrawal symptoms, it must be your first step. 

Related Article - Tapentadol Side Effects

Some FaQs related to Tapentadol and its withdrawal symptoms

How long do tapentadol withdrawal symptoms last?

Every patient has a unique physiology, so Tapentadol's withdrawal timeline and symptom duration may vary from person to person. In some patients, Tapentadol withdrawal symptoms last for a few days, while others may take longer than it.

Is Tapentadol highly addictive?

When used for a long time, Tapentadol can cause habit-forming tendencies. Your body may mentally or physically develop depending on this opioid medication. However, people facing continuous pain should not fear dependence on using such narcotics drugs to relieve their pain. 

How do you stop Tapentadol?

Gradually reduce the amount of Tapentadol you have been using before stopping it completely. And only a doctor will do the chances in strength and dosage of Tapentadol to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. You are not advised to make any chance on your own and do not stop taking it suddenly without informing your doctor. 

What is the special warning of Tapentadol? 

Tapentadol, an opioid analgesic, has a higher risk of abuse and addiction. It can lead to the chances of overdose and have a fatal impact on life, like death. The withdrawal symptoms of Tapentadol can cause severe breathing problems. To lower the risk of Tapentadol withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may advise you to take the smallest dose of Tapentadol that works for you. And make sure that you use it for the shortest possible time and get relief from your painful condition.