The effects of tapentadol and oxycodone on central processing of tonic pain

The present study investigated differences between opioids to experimental tonic pain in healthy men. Twenty-one males participated this cross-over-trial. Interventions twice daily were oxycodone (10 mg), tapentadol (50 mg) and placebo for 14 days. Tonic was induced on day 1, 4 by immersing the hand 2 °C water 120 s. Electroencephalography recorded during test at baseline after Spectral analysis source localization predefined frequency bands. A decreased perception of persisted throughout days compared (p < 0.006). Oxycodone electroencephalography spectral power delta theta bands increased alpha1, alpha2 beta1 0.03). Tapentadol alpha1 band 0.001). Source revealed that activity temporal limbic region band, frontal lobe bands, whereas placebo. reduced changed central processing pain. Different mechanisms action involved, where affected cortical structures more than tapentadol.