Managing pain can be a challenge, especially when the pain is severe.
NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, which is a common cause of pain. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. Prescription NSAIDs include celecoxib, diclofenac, and indomethacin. NSAIDs can cause side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking them.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen have some advantages, such as being easily available and not causing dependence. However, they may not be effective for moderate to severe pain and might require a combination of drugs.
In moderate to severe pain, synthetic drugs like Tramadol and Tapentadol can provide relief. These drugs are similar to morphine but with a much-improved safety profile. This means that they can be prescribed for various painful conditions without frequently causing side effects or dependence.
Sometimes these medications may work better when combined with NSAIDs because they do not have anti-inflammatory properties. Tramadol and Tapentadol primarily act as painkillers.
Although Tramadol and Tapentadol share many traits, they differ in how the body processes the drugs and the mechanism of action.
Tapentadol vs Tramadol – Which is More Effective?
Tapentadol and Tramadol are two different kinds of medicine used to help relieve pain.
Tramadol is metabolized into active metabolites, while Tapentadol works directly in the bloodstream. This means that Tapentadol starts working as soon as it reaches the bloodstream, but Tramadol needs to be metabolized first.
Tramadol also depends on the enzyme CYP2D6 for conversion into active metabolites. Both drugs are effective from 50 mg onwards, but Tramadol may need a higher starting dose.
Tapentadol and Tramadol are both metabolized in the liver, and their inactive metabolites are excreted through the kidneys. Usually, mild to moderate kidney or liver disease does not affect how these drugs are metabolized. However, those with severe kidney or liver disease may need to consider different doses.
How tapentadol and tramadol compare in terms of effectiveness?
These drugs work by influencing the same pain receptors in the brain (mu-opioid receptors or MOR); however, they are different in how strong their effect is. Tapentadol is a stronger painkiller than Tramadol.
Tramadol
Tramadol works by activating a chemical in the brain called morphine and inhibiting the reuptake of another chemical called noradrenaline.
Tramadol is broken down into two different chemicals in the body, (+) and (-) enantiomers. The (+) enantiomer is the more active form of the drug and is more effective at relieving pain.
However, this also means that Tramadol is not very effective in people who lack a certain enzyme called CYP2D6. Studies have shown that most of Tramadol’s effects are due to its action on the brain’s morphine receptors and its inhibition of noradrenaline uptake. 5HT (serotonin) inhibition plays only a minor role in Tramadol’s overall effects.
Tapentadol
Tapentadol and Tramadol are both drugs that are used to relieve pain. It works in same way, but it has some difference in effectiveness.
For example, Tapentadol does not have the same effect on the 5HT receptors as Tramadol does. It means, it is very effective to relieve pain, but dangerous also.
Studies have shown that Tapentadol is 2-3 times more potent than Tramadol, but it is less potent and safer than morphine.
Tapentadol vs Tramadol – Toxicology
Tramadol and tapentadol are two opioid medications that are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Both medications work by binding to the mu-opioid receptor, which is found in the brain and nervous system. This leads to a decrease in the perception of pain and an increase in the release of dopamine, which produces a feeling of euphoria.
Tramadol is available as an immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) formulation, while tapentadol is only available as an IR formulation. Both medications are taken orally.
Tapentadol and Tramadol are safer alternatives of morphine. No doubt Morphine is more powerful but causes adverse effect such as constipation, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, vomiting and addiction. Tapentadol is much more potent than Tramadol, which means it has a greater influence on opioid receptors.