Characterizing the Experience of Tapentadol Nonmedical Use: Mixed Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Addiction Medicine
• Online Research Methods

Background:

• Limited data exists on the nonmedical use (NMU) of tapentadol (extended-release [ER] and immediate-release [IR]) compared to other prescription opioids.
• Understanding individual experiences with tapentadol NMU is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot web-based survey technologies for investigating tapentadol NMU.
• To explore motivations, procurement sources, administration routes, tampering methods, dosages, and product impressions of tapentadol (Nucynta and Nucynta ER).

Main Methods:

• Web-based recruitment using flyers and banner ads on Bluelight.com.
• Online survey (Qualtrics) followed by optional interactive web-based chat (Cryptocat).
• Data collected on tapentadol sources, motives, routes, tampering, combinations, doses, and reasons for use/discontinuation.

Main Results:

• Web-based recruitment successfully identified participants for tapentadol NMU.
• Tapentadol was obtained from friends/family, the internet, or personal prescriptions.
• Primary motivations included pain relief, relaxation, anxiety/depression reduction, and euphoria.
• Most participants swallowed tapentadol; preferred dose was 100 mg. Concurrent use with benzodiazepines was common.
• Majority discontinued NMU due to side effects, lack of efficacy, or better alternatives. Hallucinogenic effects reported at high doses.

Conclusions:

• Web-based surveys are effective for recruiting individuals reporting drug NMU.
• Tapentadol NMU is primarily driven by pain relief and psychotropic effects.
• Despite some appeal, tapentadol did not show widespread endorsement for nonmedical use.