What is tapentadol?

Tapentadol is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Tapentadol is a prescription medicine that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tapentadol extended-release form (Nucynta ER) is for around-the-clock treatment of pain that is not controlled by other medicines. The extended-release form of tapentadol is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain. If you use tapentadol while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Ask a doctor before using opioid medicine if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.