People taking one of the UK’s most commonly prescribed painkillers have been given a reminder about its potential side effects. Patients should speak to a doctor if they keep struggling with any of these eight problems.
Nefopam is a type of non-narcotic painkiller. According to the NHS website, it seems that the drug helps to “block pain messages sent to your brain” and your body stops noticing, leading to relief from many different conditions that trigger pain.
It is usually prescribed by a doctor when other painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen do not help with a person’s pain. It is one of the most commonly prescribed tablets in the UK.
You may only need to take nefopam for a short time if you are, for example, in pain following an operation. Some patients with long-term painful conditions, such as cancer, might need to take this drug for longer.
During whatever period you take the pills, which will be discussed with a doctor, there are potential side effects that people should be aware of. The NHS has put out a warning about these on its website, so people are fully aware of the risks that come with this medication.
It reads: “Like all medicines, nefopam can cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.”
Common side effects include:
- Feeling sick, dizzy or light-headed
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty peeing
- Tingling in hands and feet
There are some more serious side effects, such as hallucinations and having a fast heartbeat, but these are rare. If you take nefopam for a long time, it’s possible to become addicted, but this is also quite uncommon.
The NHS website warns that nefopam may also turn your urine pink. But, the medics claim that “this is harmless and does not last long”. You should be advised not to drink alcohol while you are taking nefopam because it increases the possibility of certain side effects.
Who can and cannot take nefopam?
The usual dose of nefopam is one to two 30mg tablets, taken three times a day. Most adults should be able to take nefopam without any major issues.
There are a few different reasons why a doctor might consider putting patients on an alternative medication to nefopam, such as:
- Having liver or kidney problems
- Having ever had difficulty peeing
- Having an uncommon kind of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) called angle closure glaucoma
- Trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding
People who have been diagnosed with epilepsy (or have ever had a seizure or fit) should also avoid taking nefopam.