Opioids Nucynta (tapentadol) withdrawal?

[fixedatzero]

Hey all,

I have some questions about this Nucynta (tapentadol) withdrawal. So a little more than 3 weeks ago, I was almost three months clean from opiates (opana). I will still struggling with cravings and I was also simultaneously tapering off klonopin as well. I started to get a severe, unbearable toothache so I gave in and took opana (one for two days). I got myself a dentist appointment but they couldn't take me right away so for the next 3-4 days, I took 15mg of oxycodone (6 in total throughout four days). I didn't think I'd have serious withdrawal so by the time I had my dentist appointment, I stopped taking oxycodone. Well- the dentist told me I needed 5-6 root canals, 6 fillings, a molar extraction and all of my wisdom teeth removed (I'm very clean as far as dental hygiene goes so I chalked it up to my past abusive behavior and being on a myriad of different medication for over 13 years). Anyway, I began with the root canal treatment and I was told that it would take away the unbearable pain away. The procedure went smoothly, no pain but a couple hours after the novocaine wore off, the pain came back ten fold. I think my dentist screwed something up. Anyhow, I started taking 100mg of Nucynta (tapentadol) and have been taking up to 600mg a day (spread out). I started taking them even when I wasn't in pain. The euphoria is calming but a bit dirty. I woke up this afternoon in a hot sweat (this heatwave didn't help much either), severe anxiety, difficulty breathing, etc. It felt like opana withdrawal over again (and I do NOT think I could handle that again!) so I just took 200mg. I'm a bit calmer but still worked up since I've been reading that this drug doesn't evoke horrible withdrawal.

I also just did a drug interactions check.

I take 1.75mg of Klonopin (coming down from 6mg), 300mg of gabapentin per day, and 100mg of Pristiq. Apparently Pristiq and Nucynta interaction can cause serotonin syndrome. I don't need that!

So does anyone know the withdrawal time frame for this drug? Is it better to taper? Can I cut the pills in half? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I'm really ashamed I slipped up after three months but I don't think I have a choice rather than deal with it.

Thanks for taking the time to read!

 

[Oxide]

From what I understand about tapentadol, it's similar to tramadol in its method of action albeit more powerful in analgesic terms. All that aside I've never personally had tapentadol, but I have experienced pretty severe tramadol withdrawals and if it's anything like that, you're in for an extremely unpleasant experience.

It would certainly be better to taper your dose, it seems to be pretty high and you're going to be uncomfortable until your body adjusts to the lower dosage. Don't cheat and stick to 200 mgs for a couple days, the more time you give your body to adjust to the dose the easier it'll be. When you feel too comfortable, step down 100mgs. Adjust to that dosage, repeat and reduce dosages until you're at zero. The withdrawal will probably still suck, but it will certainly be less intense.

 

[fixedatzero]

Thanks for the info. How long did your Tramadol w/d last?