How and when to take nefopam

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.

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.

You can take nefopam with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole, with a drink of water.

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 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.

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.

• you've taken more than your prescribed dose of nefopam and feel unwell

• you take more than your prescribed dose of nefopam, even if you do not have any symptoms

Get help from 111 online or call 111.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the nefopam packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.