Fig. 1. A dual mode of action mechanism for tapentadol. (Modified from Tzschentke TM, Christoph T, Kögel B, Schiene K, Hennies HH, Englberger W, et al. (-)-(1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)-phenol hydrochloride (tapentadol HCl): a novel mu-opioid receptor agonist/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with broad-spectrum analgesic properties. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 323: 265-76. Pertovaara A. Noradrenergic pain modulation. Prog Neurobiol 2006; 80: 53-83).
