Pain is a message from the body that something is amiss — but occasionally, that message becomes too much, taking a toll on everyday life, sleep, and mood. At that point, simple pain medication may not be sufficient. That's when a doctor might prescribe something stronger such as Aspadol 100mg, a drug aimed at controlling pain of a moderate to serious nature.
In this blog, we are going to take you through what Aspadol is, how it works, when and how to take it safely.
What is Aspadol 100mg?
Aspadol 100mg is a prescribed drug that includes Tapentadol, a centrally acting opioid analgesic. It's made for individuals who are struggling with severe acute pain — the kind that gets in the way of movement, concentration, or sleep. This may be post-surgery, after an injury, or in some chronic conditions.
What sets Aspadol apart is its dual-action effect:
It acts on mu-opioid receptors in the brain to decrease the feeling of pain.
It also blocks norepinephrine reuptake, which strengthens the body's own pain-fighting mechanism.
When Is Aspadol Prescribed?
Aspadol is usually prescribed for the following reasons:
Post-operative pain (following major operations)
Pain related to injury like fractures or muscle injuries
Severe backache or arthritis
Neuropathic pain, in certain situations
It's not for minor aches and pains and should never be taken without a doctor's monitoring.
How to Take Aspadol 100mg
Aspadol is administered orally, typically every 6 to 8 hours as required. It may be administered with or without food, but always swallowed intact with a full glass of water.
Dosage guidelines:
Do not take more than the recommended amount.
Avoid alcohol when taking this medication.
Administer at the same time daily if regularly.
Crushing or chewing the tablet may cause the drug to be released too rapidly, creating harmful side effects.
Common Side Effects
Though Aspadol is strong, it does have side effects. The majority are mild, yet others may be dangerous if the drug is abused.
Common side effects are:
Drowsiness or dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Dry mouth
Headache
Serious side effects to monitor:
Breathing difficulty
Slowed heart rate
Confusion or severe drowsiness
Dependence with extended use
If any serious symptoms are felt, contact a doctor immediately.
Safety Precautions
Since Aspadol 100mg has an opioid, it has some risks associated with it and needs to be taken cautiously. The following are some essential safety precautions:
Don't drive or use heavy machinery after consuming it.
Don't mix with alcohol or sedatives.
Inform your doctor if you have any past history of addiction, respiratory problems, liver or kidney disease.
Keep it safe to avoid accidental use or misuse by others.
Is Aspadol Addictive?
Yes, Aspadol is addictive, particularly if taken in high doses or over a long duration. It's crucial to heed your doctor's advice carefully and not stop it abruptly, which may lead to withdrawal effects.
Physicians typically taper the dosage slowly if you no longer require the medication.
Final Thoughts
Aspadol 100mg is a mighty ally in the battle against intense pain, providing relief when other medications fail. But with great relief comes great potential for harm. Misusing or overusing Aspadol can result in detrimental effects, so it's imperative to use Aspadol only as directed, for the minimal duration required.
If you're having pain that is interfering with your daily life, discuss with your doctor whether or not Aspadol may be appropriate for you — and how to take it safely.