Nefopam - Anyone Here Ever Taken It?It’s A Painkiller.

[Smowball]

After a telephone consultation lastnight with my doctors surgery re me saying that my current painkillers aren't helping at all anymore &  that I was really struggling with the pain situation (from my spine, and also the tendinopathy in both hips), he said he would prescribe me something stronger to try, &  to let him know how I was getting on with it after 3 days. I could barely understand what he was saying due to his strong accent, despite asking him several times to repeat, so just decided to collect prescription & see what it was. Well it's a medication called Nefopam, which I'm pretty sure I've never taken. Am currently on Cocodamol 30/500 effervescent tabs. Anyone ever taken Nefopam, and have any comments on it?? TIA.

[Floko]

I have never taken this drug, but have found a useful link by a reputable organization . It has to be withdrawn slowly if not considered effective.

https://patient.info/medicine/nefopam-for-pain-relief

[Countrylover]

I've been taking Nefopam for several years Smow.  I can't take strong painkillers, opiates, opiods, or Nisaids(codeine, cocodomol, Ibuprofen, etc)  Nefopam have  helped me, taken along with Paracetamol.  They take quite a while to kick in.  I can take up to 6 a day, but never take more than 4.  Dr told me they reduce pain by 30% which is why it's good to take with paracetamol which gives you extra relief.  They do help me to cope,  but don't expect miracles.

[Buenchico]

General info here (which probably only mirrors what's on the leaflet in the pack):
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/nefopam/

Probably much the same (but also a reliable source):
https://patient.info/medicine/nefopam-for-pain-relief

Relevant posts on HealthUnlocked (which is backed by the NHS and, in my opinion, well worth joining):
https://healthunlocked.com/tag/nefopam
(That's the first of 6 pages).

[Smowball]

Ahhh thanks for those answers already guys - much much appreciated x

i forgot to ask on the phone, but I'm assuming that I completely stop taking the co-codamol and to not take both??

[anneasquith]

Is it known by any other name ?

[Floko]

Brand name is Acupan

[Hazlinny]

Brand name:  Acupan, Anne.  I was prescribed it but side-effects were dreadful so stopped it.

[barry1010]

Acupan

[Buenchico]

^^^ See Section 5 of my first link above.

As I read it, there's no problem with taking Nefopam alongside paracetamol (which makes up part of cocodamol) but there's an increased risk of side effects when taken with codeine (which makes up the other part of cocodamol).  If in doubt (and you can't get hold of your GP), speak to a pharmacist.

[anneasquith]

Acupun, thanks. 

[anneasquith]

Ooft. Acupan .

[Countrylover]

I have no side effects with nefopan.  I hallucinate on all the others  like gabapentin, etc.  I even hallucinate on over the counter codeine and nefomam is the only thing that gives me help.  I'm allowed to take Diazapam too, but not taken too often.  Off again tomorrow to hospital so taken it tonight!!

[Smowball]

Hazlinny - what side effects did you have?

I've read poss nausea, dry mouth, discolouration of urine.....

Good luck for tomorrow Countrylover x

[Countrylover]

Thank you Smow.  The procedure went well with a good result.  I had been so anxious that they would find something awful, but they didnt.  Two visits to the hospital this week for two problems!  I've actually gone privately, but we've not been going out or spending much and I was able to save.  It was worthwhile.  No good having money in the bank if your health keeps you housebound!!

And I've had no bad side effects from Nefopam.  Perhaps a bit more tired.  I have a dry mouth from acute anxiety.  They haven't made it worse.  Its not good to read through side effects.  In fact most drugs seem to have the same side effects.  

[Hazlinny]

21.41 Wednesday/Smow/  Just noticed your comment re Nefopam - the main side-effects were dizziness and feeling "spaced-out".
Having said that, I am allergic to a lot of medications and really only rely on Paracetamol for pain.  Hopefully, you will be OK. x

 

[Countrylover]

I had to rely on Paracetamol until the doctor tried me on Nefopam.  I hardly ever take more than 2 a day.  If I took the six a day I could take I would turn into t a Zombie!!