Compare Nucynta vs. Tramadol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Nucynta (tapentadol)Tramadol
- Nucynta (tapentadol)Tramadol
Summary of Nucynta vs. Tramadol
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyNucynta (tapentadol) is an opioid that's used to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. It's available as an immediate-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. There's also an extended-release version that's taken every 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, constipation, and dizziness. This medication is a controlled substance because of its high risk of misuse and dependence. Nucynta (tapentadol) is available as a brand-name medication only.
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyTramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.
Indications of Nucynta vs. Tramadol
Indications forPain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications, including:
•Short-term pain - immediate-release tablet only•Severe long-term pain - extended-release tablet only•Severe nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) - extended-release tablet onlyIndications for•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alonePros and Cons of Nucynta vs. Tramadol
Pros and Const for OpioidPros•Can take with or without food•Available as both immediate-release and extended-release tabletsCons•Has many safety warnings, including a high risk for addiction and dependence•Not a good choice for people who have trouble swallowing pills because the tablet can't be crushed and there isn't a liquid version availablePros and Const for OpioidPros•Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.•Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.•Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioidsCons•A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled•Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms•Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects•Not recommended while breastfeedingCommon Side Effects of Nucynta vs. Tramadol
Common Side Effects for•Constipation (up to 46%)•Nausea (up to 40%)•Dizziness (up to 33%)•Headache (up to 32%)•Sleepiness (up to 25%)•Vomiting (up to 17%)Warnings of Nucynta vs. Tramadol
Common Side Effects for•Potential for addiction and misuse•Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)•Risk for opioid overdose•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Harm to newborn babies•Physical dependence and withdrawal•Low blood pressure•Low adrenal hormone levels•SeizuresCommon Side Effects for•Potential for addiction and misuse•Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)•Overdose•Harm to newborn babies•Drug interactions•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Serotonin syndrome•Seizures•Low blood pressure•Low adrenal hormone levels•Physical dependence and withdrawal•Low blood sodium levelsPrices with our coupons for Nucynta vs. Tramadol
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