A comparative assay of nefopam, morphine and d-amphetamine

Abstract

Nefopam is a non-opioid analgesic reported to have some stimulant properties. The subjective, behavioral and physiological effects of nefopam, morphine and d-amphetamine were compared in seven non-dependent substance abusers to assess the abuse potential of nefopam. Morphine and d-amphetamine had significant effects on a number of measures generally consistent with the effects of drugs of the opioid and psychomotor stimulant drug classes. Subjects correctly discriminated between morphine and d-amphetamine. Nefopam was most frequently identified by subjects as being amphetamine-like, though several measures indicated that nefopam produced some sedation. Little or no "liking" of the effects of nefopam was reported by subjects. Overall, nefopam was one fifth as potent as morphine and one quarter as potent as d-amphetamine in producing subjective and physiological effects. The results indicate that nefopam is neither entirely morphine-like nor d-amphetamine-like. In our opinion, nefopam has a lesser potential to be abused than morphine or d-amphetamine.