Tapentadol is a centrally acting analgesic medication used for the management of moderate to severe pain. It's chemically similar to tramadol but has a more potent analgesic effect. Tapentadol works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system and inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine, thus providing pain relief. It's often prescribed for conditions such as neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and chronic pain syndromes.