Tapentadol is a prescription medication used for the management of moderate to severe pain. It works by acting on the central nervous system (CNS). Tapentadol binds to and activates the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce the perception of pain. It inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in pain modulation, enhancing pain relief. Because of its dual mechanism, tapentadol is considered effective for both acute and chronic pain conditions.