Indications
**Indicated for moderate to moderately severe pain
**Used for acute or chronic pain, post-operative pain, musculoskeletal pain, etc.
**Acts centrally on the opioid receptors and inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake
Precautions
**Contraindicated with CNS depressants, alcohol, or uncontrolled epilepsy
**Risk of dependency and abuse if used long-term
**Avoid use in pregnancy unless prescribed
**May impair ability to drive or operate machinery
History and Development
**First developed in Germany by Grünenthal GmbH in 1962
**Introduced in the European market in 1977
**Approved by the FDA (USA) in 1995 as a Schedule IV controlled substance
**Designed to offer pain relief with a lower abuse profile than traditional opioids
Abuse and Misuse
**Abuse includes excessive dosing or combining with alcohol or other CNS depressants
**Intravenous misuse by crushing capsules/tablets has been reported
**May result in seizures, respiratory depression, or fatal overdose
Additional Notes
**Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, severe respiratory depression, recent MAOI use
**Common Side Effects: Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth
**Storage Conditions: Store below 25°C, away from moisture and sunlight
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.