What is Darvocet and how is it used
Structurally, it's a relative of
the synthetic narcotic, methadone. It's prescribed
in two forms- propoxyphene hydrochloride and
propoxyphene napsylate -for relief of mild to
moderate pain.
Aside from slight differences-the napsylate
(or N-form) of propoxyphene is more slowly absorbed
in the body and so has a longer duration of action-the
two drugs are identical. Both are found in a
number of prescription pain medications, including:
- Darvon and Darvon-N (propoxyphene only)
- Darvon with A.S.A., Darvon-N with A.S.A.
(with aspirin)
- Darvocet, Darvocet-N, Wygesic (with acetaminophen)
- Darvon Compound, Darvon Compound-65 (with
aspirin and caffeine)
Darvocet when abused is taken orally, chewed, crushed (then snorted
like cocaine), or crushed (then dissolved in water and injected like
heroin).
What are the side effects of Darvocet?
The side effects of Darvocet are:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nausea
- sedation
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- feelings of elation or depression
- hallucinations
- headache
- kidney problems
- lightheadedness
- liver problems
- minor visual disturbances
- skin rashes
- weakness
- yellowed eyes and skin
What are the symptoms of Darvocet overdose
The symptoms of an overdose are:
Symptoms of a propoxyphene overdose
may include:
Bluish tinge to the skin, coma, convulsions,
decreased or difficult breathing to the point
of temporary stoppage, decreased heart function,
extreme sleepiness, irregular heartbeat,
low blood pressure, pinpoint pupils becoming
dilated later, stupor
Additional symptoms of overdose with
Darvocet-N:
Abdominal pain, excessive sweating, general
feeling of illness, kidney failure, liver
problems, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Additional symptoms of overdose with
Darvon Compound-65:
Confusion, deafness, excessive perspiration,
headache, mental dullness, nausea, rapid
breathing, rapid pulse, ringing in the ears,
vertigo, vomiting
Extreme overdose may lead to unconsciousness
and death.
Special information if you are pregnant
or breastfeeding
Do not take these medications if you are
pregnant or planning to become pregnant unless
you are directed to do so by your doctor.
Temporary drug dependence may occur in newborns
when the mother has taken this drug consistently
in the weeks before delivery. The use of
Darvon Compound-65 (which contains aspirin)
during pregnancy may cause problems in the
developing baby or complications during delivery.
Do not take it during the last 3 months of
pregnancy. Darvocet-N does appear in breast
milk. |
