Aspadol 150 is a potent prescription painkiller widely used to manage moderate to severe pain. Its active ingredient, tapentadol, is a centrally acting opioid analgesic that provides fast and effective relief by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Aspadol 150 — from its composition and usage to side effects, precautions, and comparisons with other pain relievers.
1. What Is Aspadol 150?
Aspadol 150 is a prescription opioid analgesic designed for short-term and chronic pain relief. It is most commonly prescribed for:
Severe acute pain (e.g., post-surgical pain)
Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Neuropathic pain (including diabetic neuropathy)
Osteoarthritis and lower back pain
The tablet contains 150 mg of tapentadol, making it one of the higher-strength options available. Due to its potency, it is typically prescribed when other, less powerful medications fail to provide adequate relief.
2. How Does Aspadol Work?
The active ingredient, tapentadol, works via a dual mechanism:
Mu-opioid receptor agonism: Tapentadol binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals.
Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (NRI): It increases norepinephrine levels, enhancing its analgesic effects without relying entirely on opioid pathways.
This unique combination provides effective pain relief while potentially reducing some side effects commonly associated with pure opioids, such as respiratory depression and constipation.
3. Uses of Aspadol 150
Doctors may prescribe Aspadol 150 in the following situations:
a. Postoperative Pain
After major surgery, patients often require high-strength painkillers. Aspadol 150 offers fast, sustained relief for such acute pain.
b. Chronic Lower Back Pain
Tapentadol has shown superior efficacy in managing chronic lower back pain, especially when non-opioid medications fail.
c. Diabetic Neuropathy
This type of nerve pain is hard to treat with conventional NSAIDs. Tapentadol's action on the nervous system makes it ideal for neuropathic pain.
d. Cancer Pain
In palliative care, strong opioids like tapentadol help cancer patients manage persistent, unbearable pain.
4. Dosage and Administration
a. Recommended Dosage
The usual starting dose is 50 to 100 mg, depending on pain severity.
Aspadol 150 mg is prescribed only for patients who have built tolerance or need higher doses for effective relief.
b. Route of Administration
Take Aspadol 150 orally with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water — do not crush or chew.
c. Frequency
Typically, it is taken twice daily (every 12 hours), but your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
5. Key Benefits of Aspadol 150
Fast Onset: Starts working within 30 to 60 minutes.
Long Duration: Provides relief for up to 12 hours.
Dual Mechanism: Offers both opioid and non-opioid pain control.
Improved Tolerance: Fewer side effects compared to morphine or oxycodone.
Neuropathic Relief: Effective for nerve-related pain.
6. Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, Aspadol 150 may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them.
a. Common Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or drowsiness
Constipation
Dry mouth
Headache
b. Serious Side Effects
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Shallow breathing or slowed heart rate
Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, itching)
Confusion or hallucinations
Seizures
Addiction or withdrawal symptoms
7. Warnings and Precautions
a. Addiction and Misuse
Tapentadol, like all opioids, carries a risk of dependence. Use only under strict medical supervision.
b. Avoid Alcohol
Combining Aspadol with alcohol increases the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose.
c. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Aspadol is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
d. Operating Machinery
Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how Aspadol affects you.
e. Liver or Kidney Disease
Inform your doctor if you have impaired liver or kidney function. Dosage adjustment may be necessary.
8. Contraindications
Do not use Aspadol tablet if you:
Have a history of severe asthma or respiratory depression
Are allergic to tapentadol or similar opioids
Are using MAO inhibitors or have taken them in the past 14 days
Have paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction
9. Drug Interactions
Aspadol may interact with several medications, increasing side effects or reducing efficacy.
a. CNS Depressants
Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam)
Sleep medications
Antipsychotics
b. Serotonergic Drugs
Combining with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors can trigger serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition.
c. Other Opioids
Avoid using with other opioids unless specifically advised by your doctor.
d. Alcohol
Can dangerously enhance sedation and respiratory depression.
10. Aspadol 150 vs Other Painkillers
Feature | Aspadol 150 (Tapentadol) | Oxycodone | Tramadol | NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Opioid + NRI | Pure Opioid | Weak Opioid + SNRI | Non-opioid |
Strength | High | Very High | Moderate | Mild to Moderate |
Risk of Addiction | Moderate | High | Low-Moderate | None |
Neuropathic Pain | Effective | Less effective | Some relief | Not effective |
GI Side Effects | Moderate | Severe | Mild | High (e.g., ulcers) |
Ideal Use Case | Chronic, neuropathic pain | Acute trauma | Mild-moderate pain | Muscle, joint pain |
11. Dependence and Withdrawal
Extended use of Aspadol tablet can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Do not stop abruptly; your doctor will guide you through a gradual tapering process to avoid withdrawal symptoms like:
Irritability
Sweating
Nausea
Tremors
Insomnia
Anxiety
12. Storage and Handling
Store at room temperature (20-25°C).
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Do not use expired tablets.
Do not flush down the toilet — ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of unused medication.
13. Overdose Risk
Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause life-threatening side effects like:
Extreme drowsiness
Unconsciousness
Cold, clammy skin
Slow or stopped breathing
Coma or death
If overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately.
14. Legal and Regulatory Status
150mg aspadol is a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries due to its abuse potential. It is only available via prescription and should be used strictly under medical guidance.
15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I take Aspadol 150 with food?
Yes, food does not interfere with absorption. However, taking it with food may reduce nausea.
Q2: Is Aspadol safe for elderly patients?
It can be used with caution. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, especially dizziness and sedation.
Q3: Can I crush or split the tablet?
No. Crushing or breaking the tablet can cause rapid release and increase overdose risk.
Q4: How long does Aspadol stay in the system?
Tapentadol has a half-life of approximately 4 hours. It typically clears from the system in 24-48 hours, depending on metabolism.
Q5: Is it safe to drive after taking Aspadol?
You should avoid driving until you understand how the drug affects you. Drowsiness and slowed reaction times are common.
Conclusion
Aspadol 150 (Tapentadol) offers a powerful solution for managing moderate to severe pain, especially when non-opioid medications are ineffective. With its unique dual action, it provides effective relief while minimizing some of the risks associated with traditional opioids