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Nucynta for Pain User Reviews

Nucynta has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 252 reviews for the treatment of Pain. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 29% reported a negative experience.

Nucynta rating summary

6.2/10 average rating

252 ratings from 268 user reviews.

Compare all 1448 medications used in the treatment of Pain.

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Reviews for Nucynta

  • Gerry
  • October 17, 2019

"I have been on Nucynta 200 ER mg 3 times a day and Tramadol 50 mg 3 times a day for two years now. I was on all the other pain meds from Percocet to fentanyl, and Nucynta has been great for me. I have degenerative disc disease, I broke my back at L4 and L5, and I have rods and screws. I have a chronic case of kidney stones and kidney damage. If you have chronic pain and nothing is helping, try Nucynta; hopefully, it might help you as it has helped me. One note, no pain medication will relieve your pain 100%, but for me, my pain is 70% to 85% controlled (depending on the weather), but I have learned to live and manage my remaining pain. Apart from the medication, I use ice and heat to also help with the pain. Good luck finding your pain relief because no one should live their life in chronic pain, and also good luck in finding a good pain management doctor that believes you. God bless."

9 / 10
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248 Report
  • Cel
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 6, 2020

"I have been on Nucynta for over 3 years now. I suffer from scoliosis, fibromyalgia, and RA. I’ve been on 100 mg 4x/day then went to 3x/day recently. Something interesting about this drug is the way it’s processed in the body. Some people lack particular gene functions that break down most pain medications. Nucynta is one of the only narcotics that bypasses this gene process; therefore, people who lack the CYP-2D6 (gene) “regulator” can get more adequate pain relief. But people not lacking this genetic predisposition often have not so good of an experience. OVERALL, for some people, Nucynta (tapentadol) can be a lifesaver when nothing else works, and I say all this for those who may want to research into why certain drugs don’t work as well for them. The only downside for me was, even though I have good insurance, it was originally over $1,200 for 90-100mg pills. Hope this helps someone!"

10 / 10
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153 Report
  • Kinks
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • November 21, 2019

"I have been on Nucynta for over 6 years. I am a post-cancer patient. I suffer from nerve damage from chemotherapy, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease in my lower back, dysplasia, and arthritis in my left hip after 5 surgeries and bad scarring. I have had injections and tried every opioid under the sun. Until my rheumatologist started me on Nucynta, life became different. I still have pain as with ANY of them. But I got my life back. There is no generic, and it is expensive, but taken properly, it works. It may not work for everyone. But to me, Roxys and oxycodone and all that are trash. The other part is I can't have anything with acetaminophen due to having cancer in my liver, so I'm very limited. I think it's worth a try. Methadone, ugh, no way. People never get off that. Try Nucynta! Good luck! Best!"

10 / 10
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142 Report
  • Jpano
  • November 7, 2019

"I have ankylosis spondylitis since I was drafted and resulted in a 4F deferment. That was 1970. This med has been a game changer for me. I wake up not as stiff as I have been without the drug. To help with the bowel motion I drink smooth moves tea and it works. If not for My Dr. I would be homeless being unable to work. Good luck to all who suffer day by day"

9 / 10
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129 Report
  • Rose
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 24, 2019

"I have about 8 separate diagnoses in my spine including severe degenerative disc disease and arthritis. I am in horrific pain all the time. I had been taking Vicodin 10 multiple times through the day and only got a short time of relief. I went to a new pain management doc and he gave me Nucynta. I haven't had anything work so well! I take 100mg 3 times a day and I have zero pain. I feel like a whole new person! I'm not counting the hours til I can take another pill. My co pay is 50 dollars with good insurance but for me its well , well worth it. Definitely worth giving this medicine a try."

10 / 10
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111 Report

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  • Starr
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 28, 2019

"I was in a MVA in 05 that left me permanently disabled with a spinal cord injury. My spinal cord was less than 2cm of being severed. Nothing helped the pain, not Fentanyl or even Morphine as my doctor suggested Methadone as a last resort, I was 37 yo and said no, not at my age. A PA offered Nucynta as she had just read an article and on this day, I got my life back! This wasn't just a game changer, it was a miracle drug, as it worked miracles for me. How does one thank the makers of this one med that did so much to help me and my family?"

10 / 10
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111 Report
  • Shano
  • December 18, 2019

"I broke both of my feet falling off my roof in winter after fixing my satellite I than got compartment syndrome in left foot and had to have. An emergency fasciatomy for those that don't know what that is they basically had to cut my foot wide open in 3 places to relieve the pressure and cuts had to stay wide open so for about 3 months I was in horrible pain they prescribed oxycontin 60mg 2x a day and 30mg 3x a day and for pain it did absolutely nothing but in 3 months I was addicted I went to pain management dr complained he gave me nuycenta and life was such much better went from being in excruciating pain to barely any pain at all not to mention wasn't high off pills either so could actually function.. Nuycenta was a gods send when I needed it most, the only bad thing is most insurances didn't pay for it when I was on it that was in 2015 so this might b different now but I had to pay 400 a month for 60 50 mg pills"

10 / 10
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91 Report
  • N LW
  • January 28, 2010

"Nucynta did not relieve my pain at all. I have seen many negative comments about this new medicine. Many government officials want to do away with oxycodones and force people with chronic pain to get physical therapy. It's unfortunate to punish those who don't abuse their medicines."

1 / 10
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219 Report
  • geo...
  • January 5, 2014

"I have numerous chronic conditions but I will speak about my pain. I have been attending the pain clinic for approximately 5 years and have tried every conceivable pain medication that I could get including a ketamine IV, nothing has worked until now. I am on 500 mg of Palexia/tapentadol/Nucynta and it works. I have nerve damage due to an undiagnosed neurological condition with symptoms mimicking Multiple Sclerosis. It has taken about 8 weeks for it to work but it has made a big difference. Side effects are lack of sleep (chronic), dizziness (goes away), and mood swings. I want to stay on it and hopefully my doctor can help with the sleep. So, anyone just starting it or considering it, please give it some time."

10 / 10
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160 Report
  • Major...
  • July 29, 2019

"I said I would come back and share. Nucynta has literally given me my life back. I have significant chronic pain issues. I was on oxycodone for a while but felt it was no longer working. Tried a few others until this one and I have felt like my pain has been relieved significantly and I am so thankful! Even my husband noticed the difference he said it was literally like night and day. So much to the point where this medication is 4 times more expensive then the others but he said with those results its worth it."

10 / 10
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89 Report
  • bamac...
  • August 4, 2010

"After chronic pain for 5 years (bursitis and fibromyalgia), I think I've found a medicine perfect for me. I take 50 mg three times a day; it has helped so much with the fibromyalgia fatigue/fog. I have more energy, feel less depressed, and actually wake up without horrible pain. In the past I have been on Oxycontin, MS-Contin, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl patches, and Dilaudid. Nucynta is helping more than all of the above and it's much different than a typical narcotic. I am pleased!"

8 / 10
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193 Report
  • CRIMSON...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 6, 2013

"I am 35 years old and have had severe fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, migraines, and chronic fatigue. I have been suffering since my early 20s. I tried everything and backed it up with research. Nothing made the pain tolerable enough. Nucynta 100mg er, 2x a day, gives me 24-hour pain control when taken with 100mg of tramadol. I found the doctor who prescribed it just a year ago. I was a ball of pain on my couch, could not work, actually... I had no life. My doctor is conducting trials using this for fibromyalgia with 97% success. I had forgotten what a body not riddled with chronic pain felt like. He is a pioneer and trying to get this medication to those who need it to function. It was difficult to get approved. I have a life!"

9 / 10
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149 Report
  • Lucinda...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 27, 2014

"I was just given Nucynta 50 mg twice a day for Peripheral Neuropathy following a botched surgical procedure by my PCP. The pain was constant and burning. It disrupted my life and is wrecking my relationship with my husband. He doesn't understand the pain of Neuropathy, Neuritis and Neuralgia. I have been in pain for more than a year and I have tried many different pain medications such as Vicodin, Ultram, Percocet. Nothing worked! I have only taken 2 pills and I noticed that the pain is much improved. It went from a 7 to a 4. That is HUGE! I did get nauseated and my breathing was shallow. I also stumble a bit and I am not able to verbalize complete sentences. That is disturbing, but it's worth it if I can experience less pain."

7 / 10
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135 Report
  • Laura...
  • February 13, 2020

"I've never had more side effects with any other medication. I ended up in the ER, I'll get into that more later. -Blurry vision, can't read off my phone. Can't focus eyes, they feel strained. Causes this 'psychedelic effect' where things look like it's moving with slight colors. -Chest pain. Went to ER. Gave medication to slow heart which was 150 bpm -Heart pounding, tightness in chest, fast heart rate, low blood pressure. -unable to concentrate/poor memory. Forgetting mid sentence. -Dizzy, room is spinning. Uncoordinated. -Depressed breathing -Hallucinations. Thought I saw a red bug on me but it was just my birthmark, I was hallucinating! NEVER hallucinated before. -Restlessness -Skin on hands and feet turned blue -Anxiety/depression. I have slight anxiety but not like this. Made me depressed. -Urinary pain (from coating on these pills made to prevent people from misusing) -Heaviness in limbs -Trouble swallowing -severe constipation -Indigestion -Low energy"

1 / 10
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71 Report
  • Polar...
  • October 12, 2009

"It seemed okay. I was more alert than when using oxycodone. After three weeks, the side effects outweigh the positives. It was more psychotic than I had planned. After the 75 mg dose wore off, the drop-off was steep. I felt very agitated and somewhat aggressive. Similar to prescribed amphetamine or steroid. It makes me so agitated that I have decided to go back to the Oxy. I also experienced some respiratory distress and diminished vision. Good try as an alternative but it is not for me. Kadian had similar reactions."

4 / 10
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170 Report
  • Ritz
  • September 24, 2019

"I don't want to give this medication a high rating. My husband was put on this medication last week at first he thought it was great that then trouble came he had problems focusing, he broke out with a rash, had constipation could not eat and always felt like he was going to throw up. When I saw the rash on his leg I immediately call the pharmacist and a pharmacist told him to stop taking this medication and on top of that he is on antidepressants and blood thinners. "

1 / 10
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66 Report
  • SJGDE...
  • June 22, 2015

"I have chronic pain that wraps around the right side of my rib cage and believe it to be nerve/muscular. I was taking Tramadol for many years along with my Lyrica, but the Tramadol just wasn't working anymore. My paid doc replaced the Tramadol with 50 MG Nucynta twice per day. The results are phenomenal - I am basically pain free and able to function fine at work on it with no side effects of any kind. This medicine has improved my quality of life and I can't believe how much better I feel."

9 / 10
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106 Report
  • nininj
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 12, 2013

"This medicine is a lifesaver! I have Lupus and have been having extreme hip and back pain lately. I have been on numerous medicines and am allergic to codeine, Vicodin, and Percocet so its difficult to find adequate pain relief without other side effects like nausea, vomiting, light-headedness. Nucynta does not give me a "high" feeling and I have not experienced nausea with this medicine. The only downside to this medicine is its expensive! I encourage people to call the company and apply for the savings card. I'm awaiting mine, and if it goes through you will pay no more than $25 a refill. Hope some others get relief with this medicine like me. Right now I could kiss my orthopedic surgeon for prescribing me Nucynta!"

9 / 10
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122 Report
  • sunsh...
  • April 15, 2015

"I take both versions, 150 ER twice a day, and one IR once a day. This works for me better than vicodin 10's along with all the other stuff I had to take with them. I used to take 6 a day of vicodin, or ultram 300 and 6 ulram 50 mgs and soma 350 mgs. Now, all I need is the nucynta, sometimes I have pain it doesn't totally control, but, you can't be pain free 24 hours a day no matter what you take. I like that if you forget to take one, or whatever, there isn't any withdrawals for me. Nothing, no insomnia, no illness, it works like an opiate without the hassles. I don't know why it is schedule 2 because to me, it is like a super strong tylenol, you never withdrawal from tylenol. I feel lucky that my doctor chose this to control my pain."

9 / 10
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104 Report
  • Amyri...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 26, 2015

"I was taking Percocet for Facial and Scalp Neuralgia - very similar to Trigeminal Neuralgia 2 (TN2 or ATN) but instead of just face, nearly my whole scalp can have nerve pain. I was referred to a pain control specialists who initially put me on Nucynta ER. It was far less effective then the Percocet. Since I have a history of problems with extended release (ER) versions, I begged them to let me try the IR version instead. VIOLA! Real pain relief. I've been able to lower my overall monthly allotment of pills. I feel so blessed to have such good pain control."

10 / 10
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104 Report
  • lucyn...
  • March 24, 2010

"I found I had unusual energy and didn't feel my back pain, was able to do a lot of the manual chores involved in renovations and spring cleaning that I put off (due to pain and lack of motivation). So far no effects of longing for a dose. I take only when the pain comes back. I'm waiting for the negative but so far ... it's great!"

10 / 10
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139 Report
  • EDS
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 10, 2019

"I am a young uni student that has been experiencing severe chronic pain for 5 years. 2 years ago my doc prescribed nucynta and it was a game changer. Before I was taking 4 different types of meds for my EDS and spinal stenosis but with no affect. Nucynta has allowed me to live with a tolerable amount of pain all while performing in university."

10 / 10
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65 Report
  • JrBobD
  • July 29, 2014

"I've been living with lower pain for the better part of 10 years now and almost all pain medications have been ineffective for me. I've been on Darvon (until it was removed from the market,) Vicodin and Tramadol. All providing limited amounts of relief. Recently my doctor decided to prescribe Nucynta IR 75 mg. From the first week taking Nucynta, my quality of life has improved tremendously. I've been able to resume moderate sports activity and it's dropped my PDI from an 8 to a 2. For me that's a huge improvement."

9 / 10
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101 Report
  • pain...
  • December 4, 2014

"Switched a while back from Hydrocodone, tramadol, Soma in combination for many years to this Nucynta ER and IR. I take 2 ERs a day and one IR a day. I am thankful for Nucynta, it actually melts the pain away and keeps your mind awake. I don't have to take 8 hydrocodones a day 6 tramadols, and 2 Somas to get relief. I have been with my "new" doctor for about 8 months, and have been on this new combination for 5 or 6 mos. It is nice to only have to take a couple of pills instead of eating them like they are candy to get relief."

10 / 10
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96 Report
  • Zvoleff
  • February 4, 2016

"Nucynta was prescribed by my pain clinic a few months ago. Despite my complaints of severe anxiety, restlessness, elevated blood pressure , restless legs, my skin turning blue, inability to sleep, they continue prescribing it. I am losing my mind. I have spinal stenosis, DDD , RA and OA with cervical fusion surgery, two total hip replacements and one hip revision. My life is governed by pain. Since I started taking this horrible rx I am losing my mind. I am 69."

1 / 10
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86 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.