How and when to take nefopam - Brand name: Acupan

Always follow the advice from your doctor or pharmacist, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.

Dosage

Each tablet contains 30mg of nefopam.

The usual dose of nefopam 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're aged over 65 years old or have severe kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.

Changes to your dose

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

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

How to take it

You can take nefopam with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole, with a drink of water.

How long to take it for

Depending on why you're taking nefopam, you may only need to take if for a short time. For example, if you're in pain following an operation, you may only need to take it for a few days.

You may need to take it for longer if you have a long-term condition that causes pain, such as cancer.

It's best to take the lowest dose of nefopam for the shortest time to control your symptoms. If you need to take it for longer, your doctor will want to monitor how well it's working for you and whether you still need it.

Talk to your doctor if you're unsure how long you need to take nefopam for.

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.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take nefopam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's 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 2 doses 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 help you remember to take your medicine.

If you 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.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. 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.