Drug info - Nefopam (brand name: Acupan)

[miggeth]

Just got a prescription for this as an alternative to opiates, but siwm is having a hard time finding much information about it. After a terrible experience with Tramadol, he doesn't want to take anything without finding out how others have gotten on with it.

Has anyone been on this? How did it make swiy feel? Was it effective for pain relief?

It would be appreciated.

[Jatelka]

Nefopam is a centrally acting, non-opioid analgesic.

IUPAC name: 5-methyl-1-phenyl-1,3,4,6-tetrahydro-2,5-benzoxazocine

The mechanism of action is not well understood, but is thought to involve serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. It may also have effects through Histamine H3 receptors and glutamate

It is indicated for moderate to severe pain, and there is some evidence that it potentiates the antinociceptive effects of opiates

Therapeutic dose is 60-90mg three times a day

Contraindicated in seizure disorders

Side effects include: nausea, nervousness, urinary retention, dry mouth, lightheadedness; less frequently vomiting, blurred vision, drowsiness, sweating, insomnia, tachycardia, headache; confusion and hallucinations also reported; may colour urine (pink)

In terms of analgesic potency, Wikipedia claims about half the potency of oral morphine and oxycodone, but does not list references

No personal experience though, maybe someone else can chime in?

[miggeth]

It's the action on serotonin reupate that's concerning swim, he had seizures when coming off Tramadol, and he thinks it was because of serotonin problems.

This sounds similar to Tramadol but without the opiate action, and while it was quite effective for pain relief, the side effects were completely intolerable.

Swim shall proceed with extreme caution.