Tapentadol is a prescription medication primarily used to manage moderate to severe pain. Tapentadol binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, similar to traditional opioid pain relievers, reducing the perception of pain. It increases levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in pain modulation, by inhibiting its reuptake in the brain. It is often prescribed for conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis, or post-surgical pain.