Tapentadol hydrochloride/depot (Palexia/depot®) is a novel, centrally acting, strong analgesic with a dual mechanism of action on µ-opioid receptors and noradrenaline reuptake in the central nervous system. Tapentadol is an active compound, devoid of active metabolites and not reliant on enzyme systems. For these reasons, it has a low drug interaction potential. This dual mechanism also translates clinically into less adverse effects than with pure opioid agonists like oxycodone. This is probably due to less µ-opioid receptor stimulation.