Aspadol 100 mg prescribed pain medication which also contains tapentadol, an opioid painkiller recommended for people suffering from moderate to severe pain if other options were not effective or not suitable.
It affects the central nervous system and changes how pain messages are perceived. Such changes can significantly reduce severe pain, and allow people to get through their daily routine in a much easier way. However, it can have side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and problems breathing, so it is essential to use such medication wisely and in accordance with the doctor’s prescription.
Uses of Aspadol 100 mg
This medicine may be prescribed for moderate to severe pain when other options have failed, cannot be tolerated, or are otherwise not appropriate.
It may be considered when:
- Pain is strong enough to require an opioid
- Non-opioid pain medicines have not worked well enough
- Other pain treatments are unsuitable
- A doctor believes opioid treatment is appropriate
The aim is not simply to use the strongest available tablet. Instead, treatment should provide useful pain control with the lowest suitable dose and for the shortest appropriate period.
How Does Aspadol Work?
Tapentadol affects the nervous system in two ways. Firstly it acts on the mu-opioid receptors. This alters the processing of pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. Secondly it affects the noradrenaline reuptake, which also contributes to its analgesic effect.
This combined effect reduces pain, but also slows the activity in the nervous system. That’s why some people may feel sleepy, or less alert.
Dosage and How to Use
Use Aspadol 100 mg exactly as per the instruction of your doctor.
The dose may need to be changed depending on how bad the pain is and how well the medication is working for you. The product leaflet for Australia states that immediate-release tapentadol is commonly taken every 4 to 6 hours though your doctor can alter the plan.
Take the tablets with plenty of water. It is alright if you take them before, with or after meals.
There are certain things you have to keep in mind:
- Don’t take a double dose unless directed by your doctor.
- Chew, split or crush the tablet.
- Take that extra tablet without knowing that the pain has been well controlled.
- Stick to the time you have been told to take it by the doctor.
- Take a missed dose with some water as soon as you get the chance unless a new dose is due in the same time window.
- Never take two doses together to make up a missed dose
- Do not terminate the use of medicine abruptly without medical counsel.
If the drug appears to you that your discomfort is not being effectively managed, do not increase the dosage yourself, rather go talk to your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Some people may experience side effects, common effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
These effects are similar to those seen with other opioid medicines. A higher dose can also increase the chance of experiencing unwanted effects.
Serious breathing problems can occur. Seek urgent medical attention if breathing becomes slow, shallow or unusual, or if the person becomes extremely sleepy or loses consciousness.
Warnings and Precautions
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about your health history and any medicines you currently take.
Extra care may be needed if you:
- Have asthma or other breathing problems
- Have sleep-related breathing difficulties
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have previously had problems with opioid medicines
- Have a history of alcohol or substance dependence
- Have suffered a head injury
- Take medicines that cause drowsiness
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
This treatment should not be used in certain situations involving dangerously slow or shallow breathing, paralysis of the gut, or acute poisoning involving alcohol, sleeping medicines or other medicines that affect the central nervous system.
Alcohol, Driving and Other Precautions
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
Alcohol use at the same time with these drugs may enhance the sedative effect of the medication and make you drowsier. There is also a possibility that the combination might lead to serious breathing difficulties or coma.
Such interactions can result in impairment of alertness, decision-making and speed of reflexes that you will have to take into consideration while you work with heavy machinery or drive a car. Stay out of these situations until you have learned how the pills work for your body system.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications enhance the effects of tapentadol. This is very noticeable with other products that make people sleepy or slow down the nervous system.
You should inform your doctor or pharmacist about the following medications if you are using them:
- Meds that cause sleeping (sedatives, sleeping pills)
- Benzodiazepine (e.g. valium, diazepam etc.) are some examples of medications used to alleviate anxiety
- Pain medicines that are opioids
- Drugs like gabapentin or pregabalin
- Medicines used to treat depression
- Antipsychotics
- Antihistamine drugs which make a person very drowsy
- Cannabis
- Drinks containing alcohol
- Other meds, whether prescribed or just a product at the counter (over-the-counter medications)
If a drug addict is given both opioid drugs and a central nervous system depressant simultaneously, that is when things can get dangerous with the risk of deep unconsciousness (coma), respiratory suppression (respiratory depression) and death. The doctor might have to decrease the dose and supervise the patient regularly.
Storage
- Keep the tablets in their original package.
- Store below 30°C.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Protect them from moisture, heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not store them in the bathroom or near a sink.
- Keep them somewhere children cannot reach.
- Do not use tablets after the expiry date.
- Take damaged or expired tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
FAQs
Is Aspadol 100 mg an immediate-release medicine?
The product information used for this page relates to immediate-release tapentadol 100mg. Immediate-release tablets are designed to release the medicine without the prolonged-release mechanism used by sustained-release formulations.
How quickly should I expect pain relief?
The response can vary from person to person and depends on the type and severity of pain. If the prescribed treatment is not giving enough relief, speak with your doctor rather than taking additional tablets.
Can I take Aspadol 100 mg before or after a meal?
Yes. Australian consumer information states that immediate-release tablets may be taken before, with, or after food. They should still be swallowed whole with water.
Why shouldn’t I break or chew the tablet?
Breaking or chewing it can cause the medicine to be released too quickly and may increase the chance of side effects. The tablet should be swallowed whole.
What should I do if Aspadol 100 mg is not helping my pain?
Don’t increase the amount yourself. Contact your doctor or pharmacist and explain how your pain has changed. They can decide whether your treatment needs adjustment or whether another approach would be more suitable.
Can tapentadol cause constipation?
Yes. Constipation is a common opioid-related side effect. If it becomes persistent or uncomfortable, speak with your healthcare professional about suitable ways to manage it.
What happens if too much is taken?
An overdose can cause extreme drowsiness, slow or difficult breathing, loss of consciousness, a weak heartbeat, vomiting or seizures. It requires urgent medical attention. In Australia, call 000 for an ambulance or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 if an overdose is suspected.
References
The following medical and regulatory resources were referenced while preparing this content. These sources provide detailed information about tapentadol, including its uses, dosage, administration, precautions, side effects, interactions, storage and disposal.
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care – PALEXIA IR Consumer Medicine Information
PALEXIA IR – Australian Medicine Information - Healthdirect Australia – Tapentadol
Tapentadol – Healthdirect Australia
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Aspadol 100mg is presented as a tapentadol product, and tapentadol is a prescription opioid medicine. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.