Tapentadol is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics, but it also has properties that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine, making it unique compared to other opioids. Tapentadol works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system to reduce the sensation of pain. It also blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in pain modulation, which contributes to its pain-relieving effects. It is commonly prescribed for acute pain, such as pain following surgery or injury, and chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain.