When the throbbing toothache strikes, it's easy to want relief at once—and Aspadol 150 mg (tapentadol) in its immediate-release (IR) form seems to provide powerful pain relief. But does it really work for toothache? Is it safe? In this complete 2,000‑word review, we discuss everything from pharmacology and medical evidence to doctor's recommendations, side‑effects, and safe use.
1. What Is Aspadol 150 mg (Tapentadol)?
Aspadol is a trade name for tapentadol, an artificial opioid with a two-fold mechanism:
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µ‑opioid receptor agonism: decreases pain perception
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Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (NRI): enhances the body's natural pain inhibition
Generally prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain conditions such as neuropathic pain, postoperative pain, and chronic musculoskeletal pain—not specifically approved for toothache.
2. Why Consider Aspadol for a Toothache?
Toothache typically has both nociceptive (inflammation of tissue) and neuropathic (irritation of the nerve) aspects. Tapentadol's dual mechanism in theory may provide broader pain relief than traditional NSAIDs or weaker opioids. Instant relief may have appeal, particularly prior to dental intervention.
3. What Does the Evidence Say?
Clinical Research
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There are no strong clinical trials that evaluate tapentadol for toothache pain.
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Tapentadol has shown to be as effective as oxycodone in acute post-operative pain situations—but not with direct toothache therapy.
Patient Reports
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Anecdotal accounts on health websites report effective, relief—but frequently associated with drowsiness, nausea, or other side effects.
4. Potential Benefits for Toothache
Rapid Effect
Starts acting within 30–60 minutes and lasts around 4–6 hours.
Potent Relief
Offers more potent analgesic effect than non-opioids—ideally prescribed for severe, short-duration pain.
Dual-Action Relief
May be beneficial for both tissue-related inflammation and nerve irritation, but not clearly established in dental situations.
5. The Risks You Should Know
Common Side Effects
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Drowsiness, dizziness
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Nausea, dry mouth, headache
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Constipation
Serious Concerns
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Respiratory depression (particularly when taken with sedatives or alcohol)
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Dependence and withdrawal—tapentadol is Schedule II
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Risk of masking serious dental infection—potential to delay professional care
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Overdose risk with misuse or ignoring dosage guidelines
6. Safe Dosage Guidelines
If prescribed for severe dental pain:
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Immediate-Release Tapentadol: usually 50–100 mg every 4–6 hours as needed
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Aspadol 150 mg dose: A single use only—this is not a standing dose
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DO NOT exceed 600 mg/day total
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Request medical assessment if pain lasts for more than 24–48 hours
7. Comparing Alternatives
| Medication | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen/Naproxen | Effective anti-inflammatory relief | GI upset at high doses |
| Acetaminophen | Fewer GI issues; well tolerated | Less anti-inflammatory effect |
| NSAID + Paracetamol combo | Effective for moderate dental pain | Risk of liver or GI side effects |
| Codeine-based opioids | Stronger than non-opioids | Risk of dependency and side effects |
| Tapentadol (Aspadol 150 mg) | Potent dual-action analgesia | High risk for side effects and misuse |
| Tramadol | Weaker opioid with some SNRI action | Serotonin syndrome risk; less potent |
For severe toothache, NSAIDs ± paracetamol are still the first-line drugs of choice. Opioids such as tapentadol are now second line and must be used cautiously and sparingly.
8. When Is Aspadol 150 mg Justified?
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