Opioids
Tapentadol (Nucynta)
Street names: Nucynta, Palexia, Tapal
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Opioid pain relief plus norepinephrine reuptake inhibition — tramadol's stronger cousin
- Faster, more predictable than tramadol (no CYP2D6 lottery)
⚠Key risks
- Schedule II for a reason: full mu-opioid addiction profile
- Seizure risk lower than tramadol but present at high doses
- Serotonin syndrome in combination
- Withdrawal standard opioid — rough
✚Overdose signs
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow breathing
- Sedation
📋Quick facts
Also known asNucynta, Palexia, Tapal
CategoryOpioids
Schedule / classSchedule II (US)
Appearance50–250 mg tablets; ER versions
Street price~$1–$5 per tablet diverted
Legal statusRx-only, Schedule II US; controlled everywhere
Last updated2026-09-18
Sources: FDA, EMA
Category comparison — Opioids
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tapentadol (Nucynta) | Schedule II | Schedule II for a reason: full mu-opioid addiction profile; Seizure risk lower than tramadol but present at high doses | ~$1–$5 per tablet diverted |
| Tramadol (Ultram) | Schedule IV | SEIZURES — tramadol lowers the seizure threshold; doses above 400 mg/day or combos (SSRIs, stimulants, antipsychotics) can trigger them; Serotonin syndrome with antidepressants or MDMA | ~$0.10–$1 per tablet — the world's cheapest opioid |
| Oxycodone (Roxicodone 30 mg) | Schedule II | Highly addictive — a leading gateway to heroin/fentanyl transition; Counterfeit 'blues' are usually fentanyl | ~$15–$40 per 30 mg tablet |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Tapentadol (Nucynta) look like?
50–250 mg tablets; ER versions
What are the signs of a Tapentadol (Nucynta) overdose?
Pinpoint pupils; Slow breathing; Sedation Call emergency services immediately and give naloxone if available — it reverses opioid overdoses.
How addictive is it?
Schedule II for a reason: full mu-opioid addiction profile Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.