Tapentadol is primarily prescribed for the treatment of pain severe enough to require opioid analgesia. It is often used for conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and chronic pain conditions. Tapentadol has a dual mechanism of action, combining mu-opioid receptor agonism and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. This dual action contributes to its analgesic effects.