Tapentadol is a centrally-acting opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain. It acts on the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine, which enhances its analgesic effects. Tapentadol is prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain, such as pain following surgery or chronic pain conditions like diabetic neuropathy. It binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, altering the perception and response to pain.