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Nefopam

About nefopam

Nefopam is a painkiller. It treats moderate pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, dental pain, joint pain and muscle pain, or pain from cancer.

You can also take nefopam for other types of long-term pain when weaker painkillers no longer work.

Nefopam is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets.

Who can and cannot take nefopam

Nefopam can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and above.

Do not take nefopam for pain caused by a heart attack.

Nefopam is not suitable for some people. To make sure nefopam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to nefopam or any other medicine
  • have epilepsy, or have ever had a seizure or fit
  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have difficulty peeing
  • have an uncommon kind of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma
  • are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding – nefopam is generally not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding

How and when to take nefopam

You can take nefopam with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole, with a drink of water.

Each tablet contains 30mg of nefopam. The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 years or older is one to two 30mg tablets, taken 3 times a day. Your doctor might increase your dose to a maximum of 3 tablets, taken 3 times a day.

If you are aged over 65 or have severe kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.

Always follow the advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Will my dose go up or down?

Sometimes your doctor will increase your dose of nefopam if it is not working well enough to control your pain.

If you are bothered by side effects, they might reduce your dose.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take nefopam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Taking more than your prescribed dose of nefopam can be dangerous.

If you've taken too much, you may feel very sleepy or agitated, see things that are not there and your heart may beat very fast. In serious cases you can have seizures or fits or become unconscious. You may need emergency treatment in hospital.

The amount of nefopam that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

Call your doctor if you take too much nefopam.

  • you've taken too much nefopam and feel unwell

Find your nearest A&E

Do not drive yourself to hospital – get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the nefopam packet or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

Taking nefopam with painkillers

You can take nefopam with everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen.

Some opioid painkillers (like codeine, dihydrocodeine and morphine) have similar side effects to nefopam. This means if you take them together you are more likely to get more side effects such as feeling sick, confusion or dizziness.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any painkillers along with nefopam.

Side effect

Like all medicines, nefopam can give you side effects. However many people have no side effects at all.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • feeling nervous, confused or shaky
  • a dry mouth
  • difficulty peeing
  • seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
  • numbness or tingling in your hands and feet

Nefopam may also colour your pee pink. But do not worry, this is harmless.

If you are aged over 65 years, you may be more likely to get some side effects, such as feeling confused or having hallucinations.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to nefopam.

  • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
  • you're wheezing
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of nefopam. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

How to cope with side effects of nefopam

What to do about:

  • feeling sick – it may help if you take nefopam after eating and avoid eating rich or spicy food.
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded – if nefopam makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you still feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit up for a while until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling dizzy. Do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
  • feeling nervous, confused or shaky – stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Speak to your doctor if the feeling lasts for more than a couple of days.
  • a dry mouth – chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
  • difficulty peeing – relax when you try to pee. Do not try to force the flow of urine. If it does not happen, try again later. Talk to your doctor if this does not get better after a few days. Contact your doctor urgently if you cannot pee at all.
  • seeing things that are not there (hallucinations) – stop taking your tablets and contact your doctor.
  • numbness or tingling in your hands and feet – talk to your doctor if it does not go away or lasts for more than a week.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Nefopam is not usually recommended during pregnancy. This is because there's little information to know how the medicine might affect your baby.

Paracetamol is generally the first choice of painkiller for pregnant women. Stronger painkillers are available which can be used in pregnancy after discussion with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor who will advise you about the most suitable medicine for you and your baby.

Nefopam and breastfeeding

Nefopam passes into breast milk in very small amounts but it is unlikely to harm your baby so you can continue breastfeeding if your doctor says you need to take it.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and nefopam can interfere with each other and make it more likely that you will have side effects.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking nefopam:

  • an antidepressant, such as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor like phenelzine, or a tricyclic like amitriptyline
  • any medicine (including some antihistamines and antidepressants) that makes you sleepy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee – taking nefopam might make these side effects worse

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside nefopam – especially ones that cause sleepiness, a dry mouth or make it difficult to pee.

Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Related links

Joint pain — Link to Related Condition

Sprains and strains — Link to Related Condition

HealthUnlocked: nefopam forum — Link to Useful Resource

Painkiller side effects: videos of real stories — Link to Useful Resource

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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111 public posts

nefopam

i am seeing my constant on Friday thanks to private care however I very sick at the moment so I am worried if I can’t get there I won’t be able to get the nefopam prescription.
i am seeing my constant on Friday thanks to private care however I very sick at the moment so I am worried if I can’t get there I won’t be able to get the nefopam prescription.
MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86
in Endometriosis UK
4 months ago

ibs severep pain left side

hi I'veb even suffering severe left side painf or over y1r excruciating pain always in out hospital with differant meds now just been given Nefopam 03mg is this a goid tablet
hi I'veb even suffering severe left side painf or over y1r excruciating pain always in out hospital with differant meds now just been given Nefopam 03mg is this a goid tablet
Angiebaby123 profile image
Angiebaby123
in IBS Network
5 months ago

nefopam tablets

hi I have just been prescribed Nefopam 30 mg and I am not sore if this is a normal reaction I feel boiling hot. But shaking as if I’m cold and sweating like mad. Does anyone else have this problem
hi I have just been prescribed Nefopam 30 mg and I am not sore if this is a normal reaction I feel boiling hot. But shaking as if I’m cold and sweating like mad. Does anyone else have this problem
Sascha2 profile image
Sascha2
in Pain Concern
6 months ago
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ARE WE ALL "JUNKIES"

I'm also on Nefopam too. An addict essentially but not by choice. Do I feel "normal" now. No I don't. I feel fogged actually. Do these two drugs KILL ALL THE PAIN? Nope, they don't. They just numb it a bit for me anyway. How about anyone else? How do you feel? Best wishes to everyone.
I'm also on Nefopam too. An addict essentially but not by choice. Do I feel "normal" now. No I don't. I feel fogged actually. Do these two drugs KILL ALL THE PAIN? Nope, they don't. They just numb it a bit for me anyway. How about anyone else? How do you feel? Best wishes to everyone.
golly123 profile image
golly123
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
3 months ago

Nefopam use (new to group)

My GP has given me Nefopam 3 times per day and seems to be numbing the pain. Has anyone else who has been on Nefopam experienced weight gain? Many thanks, JakeOC
My GP has given me Nefopam 3 times per day and seems to be numbing the pain. Has anyone else who has been on Nefopam experienced weight gain? Many thanks, JakeOC
JakeOC profile image
JakeOC
in Pain Concern
7 months ago

Nefopam and drug interactions

Just been prescribed nefopam has anyone been hot but face and nose really cold? I am on HRT not sure of any interactions
Just been prescribed nefopam has anyone been hot but face and nose really cold? I am on HRT not sure of any interactions
Storkbutter profile image
Storkbutter
in Osteoarthritis Action
7 months ago

Gabapentin withdrawal hell

I reduced my dosage down from 1800mg to now 600mg per day (I've done this over the course of 2 and a half months) but this week the what I assume side effects have been actual hell, I've been in so much pain, I'm on 2 different painkillers, nefopam and cocodimol but they don't seem to even be making
I reduced my dosage down from 1800mg to now 600mg per day (I've done this over the course of 2 and a half months) but this week the what I assume side effects have been actual hell, I've been in so much pain, I'm on 2 different painkillers, nefopam and cocodimol but they don't seem to even be making
Loodlesss profile image
Loodlesss
in Pain Concern
5 months ago

osteoporosis pain medication

i asked for Nefopam but they can’t prescribe it as it’s only set out for post operative pain. Any advice would be good as I am really struggling I’m 35 and had osteoporosis for nearly 8 years only just started the Zoledronic acid infusions last year after breaking all my ribs. Thank you xx
i asked for Nefopam but they can’t prescribe it as it’s only set out for post operative pain. Any advice would be good as I am really struggling I’m 35 and had osteoporosis for nearly 8 years only just started the Zoledronic acid infusions last year after breaking all my ribs. Thank you xx
MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86
in Bone Health
4 months ago

Hip pain

I have just been prescribed gabapentin and Nefopam. Just wanted to ask if any of you members have been prescribed this and have benefited from it. Thanks in advance.
I have just been prescribed gabapentin and Nefopam. Just wanted to ask if any of you members have been prescribed this and have benefited from it. Thanks in advance.
teresa2711 profile image
teresa2711
in NRAS
9 months ago

Painrelief

Consultant has prescribed Nefopam 30mg. No reactions and at last pain is bearable. Better than fentanyl as not as strong. Also is it common for mastos to have multiple gallstones ? consultant thinks it's unusual for good BMI and largely vegetarian diet.
Consultant has prescribed Nefopam 30mg. No reactions and at last pain is bearable. Better than fentanyl as not as strong. Also is it common for mastos to have multiple gallstones ? consultant thinks it's unusual for good BMI and largely vegetarian diet.
Mastocornwall profile image
Mastocornwall
in The UK Mastocytosis Support Group
10 months ago

stuck in a perpetual state of uncertainty

on top of that the removal of codeine and directly put on Nefopam caused a full on Cold Turkey withdrawal that lasted all over Christmas until the new year. 😔. Also Hospital liver department went completely " Radio silent".
on top of that the removal of codeine and directly put on Nefopam caused a full on Cold Turkey withdrawal that lasted all over Christmas until the new year. 😔. Also Hospital liver department went completely " Radio silent".
Rogerro profile image
Rogerro
in British Liver Trust
7 months ago

nefopam and glaucoma

My GP prescribed nefopam and I thought nothing of it. Since starting the nefopam I have not been able to sleep. My main concern is that I have acute angle closure glaucoma and I am worried about what damage it might have caused my eye's.
My GP prescribed nefopam and I thought nothing of it. Since starting the nefopam I have not been able to sleep. My main concern is that I have acute angle closure glaucoma and I am worried about what damage it might have caused my eye's.
Sickofpain140 profile image
Sickofpain140
in Pain Concern
5 months ago

nefopam and acute angle closure glaucoma

My gp has just prescribed nefopam and since starting them I have not been able to sleep. I have acute glaucoma and I am worried that taking this medication might damage my eyesight further. Has anyone else had any experience with nefopam and glaucoma
My gp has just prescribed nefopam and since starting them I have not been able to sleep. I have acute glaucoma and I am worried that taking this medication might damage my eyesight further. Has anyone else had any experience with nefopam and glaucoma
Sickofpain140 profile image
Sickofpain140
in British Liver Trust
5 months ago

Flare ups, COVID & medication changes

I've been trying out various medications from the doctor - most recently nefopam which I didn't think was doing much more than paracetamol, so I stopped it.
I've been trying out various medications from the doctor - most recently nefopam which I didn't think was doing much more than paracetamol, so I stopped it.
Cassi0 profile image
Cassi0
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
7 months ago

Nefopam

Has anybody tried nefpam for IBS pain? My GP has just prescribed them but I'm worried about nausea/vomiting. I've tried all kinds, pregagbin, mitazapine, amitriptyline, tramadol(makes me vomit), nothing seems to take away the constant pain
Has anybody tried nefpam for IBS pain? My GP has just prescribed them but I'm worried about nausea/vomiting. I've tried all kinds, pregagbin, mitazapine, amitriptyline, tramadol(makes me vomit), nothing seems to take away the constant pain
edwangy profile image
edwangy
in IBS Network
1 year ago

Tramadol and Nefopam

Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
JRAB profile image
JRAB
in Osteoarthritis Action
1 year ago

Tramadol and Nefopam

Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
JRAB profile image
JRAB
in Cloudy with a Chance of Pain
1 year ago

Tramadol and Nefopam

Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
JRAB profile image
JRAB
in Action on Pain
1 year ago

Tramadol and Nefopam

Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
Been on Tramadol for 2 years but pain got worse so GP prescribed Nefopam for when especially severe. Has anyone been prescribed Tramadol and Nefopam together?
JRAB profile image
JRAB
in Pain Concern
1 year ago

Pain relief

Does anyone take NEFOPAM for conic pain. Thanks
Does anyone take NEFOPAM for conic pain. Thanks
Drm532 profile image
Drm532
in Pain Concern
1 year ago
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