Get 10% Discount Apply Coupon Code "USA10" An opioid analgesic (medication for pain) called tapentadol is used to treat moderate to severe acute pain. It relieves pain by attaching itself to the central nervous system's mu-opioid receptor. There are two formulations of tapentadol available: immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER). It is usually used to treat moderate to severe acute pain, such as pain from musculoskeletal problems or after surgery.