How does nefopam work?
Nefopam is a type of medicine called a non-opioid or non-narcotic painkiller.
No one knows for certain how nefopam works. However, it seems to block pain messages sent to your brain or stops your brain from noticing the pain messages.
When will I feel better?
Your pain should start to improve 1 or 2 hours after taking nefopam.
Can I become addicted to nefopam?
There have been rare reports of people becoming addicted to nefopam after taking it for many years. The risk of this happening is much lower than with opioid painkillers, such as codeine.
If this happens to you, you might have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. These symptoms can include feeling tired, low mood, and feeling uneasy, anxious or restless.
If you've taken nefopam for a long time, speak to your doctor if you want to stop taking it. They may want you to reduce your dose gradually, to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
How will I know if I'm addicted to nefopam?
If you're addicted to nefopam, you may want to take it more often than prescribed. You may feel agitated if you delay taking a dose for any reason.
If you stop taking it suddenly you may have withdrawal symptoms such as feeling tired, low mood, and feeling uneasy, anxious or restless.
Talk to your doctor if you're worried about becoming addicted to nefopam.
Are there other painkillers I can try?
The best painkiller for you depends on what type of pain you have, the cause of your pain, any other conditions you have, and other medicines you take.
People can respond to painkillers differently. For example, one painkiller may help with your pain, but another may not.
If you're taking a painkiller and feel that it is not helping your pain, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. There may be something else that could help such as exercise or mindfulness.
Will it affect my contraception?
Nefopam does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Nefopam can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. If this happens to you, do not drive, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery, until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking nefopam. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking nefopam?
Drinking alcohol while you're taking nefopam may make you feel more sleepy.
It's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days of treatment until you see how nefopam affects you.
If you feel sleepy with nefopam, stop drinking alcohol while you're taking it.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Apart from being careful with alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while taking nefopam.
Will recreational drugs affect it?
It's not known if taking recreational drugs affects nefopam. There may be more chance of side effects, such as feeling sleepy or dizzy or a very fast heartbeat.
Nefopam may affect some drugs tests, such as tests for benzodiazepines (like diazepam) and opioids (like codeine). If you're taking nefopam, the test might show you have these drugs in your body even if you have not taken them (this is called a false positive result).
This could be important if you need to take a drug test at work, for example. Let the person doing the test know that you take nefopam.