What is "nefopam"

n. A centrally-acting but non-opioid analgesic drug of the benzoxazocine class, developed in the early 1970s, used for pain relief.

Nefopam (brand names: Acupan, Silentan, Nefadol and Ajan) is a centrally-acting non- opioid analgesic drug of the benzoxazocine chemical class which was developed by Riker Laboratories in the 1960s. It is widely used, mainly in European countries, for the relief of moderate to severe pain as an alternative to opioid analgesic drugs. Animal studies have shown that nefopam has a potentiating (analgesic-sparing) effect on morphine and other opioids by broadening the antinociceptive action of the opioid and possibly other mechanisms, generally lowering the dose requirements of both when they are used concomitantly.