Tapentadol is a centrally acting opioid analgesic for treatment of moderate to severe pain. FDA approved on Nov 20, 2008. The immediate-release formulation of tapentadol is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain. The long-acting formulation serves as a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic that is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe chronic pain or neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.