Darvon
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Darvon is the brand name for the generic drug propoxyphene capsules and tablets. It is also available under the brand Darvon-N. A narcotic analgesic, Darvon is often used to relieve mild to moderate pain as it works in the brain the decrease the amount of pain felt by an individual.
The dosage of Darvon can vary by person, although 65 mg is standard. Darvon is generally given orally every four hours as needed to treat pain. The maximum recommended dose is not to exceed six tablets per person per day.
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Abuses of Darvon
A narcotic under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, Darvon is classified as a Schedule IV drug. The drug has the ability to produce dependence much like that of morphine and therefore has a potential for abuse. With repeated administration, an individual can develop a psychic dependence, physical dependence and tolerance.
Misuse, abuse and addiction can be quite common with Darvon as it is a mu-opioid agonist. It has not yet been estimated the total addiction to opioids prescribed for pain management, although physicians are cautioned to take appropriate care as patients do doctor shop to gain easier access to the drug.
Effects of Darvon
Propoxyphene, or Darvon, is a centrally acting opiate analgesic. When studied in vitro, the medication can inhibit sodium channels to deliver the local anesthetic effect. For those patients receiving the medication while hospitalized, some have reported dizziness, sedation, nausea and vomiting.
More severe reactions to Darvon have included constipation, abdominal pain, skin rashes, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, euphoria, dysphoria, hallucinations and minor visual disturbances.
In some cases, use has led to more adverse events such as completed suicide, accidental and intentional overdose, drug dependence, cardiac arrest, coma, drug ineffective, drug toxicity, nausea, respiratory arrest, cardio-respiratory arrest, death, vomiting, dizziness, convulsion, confused state and diarrhea.
Withdrawal of Darvon
The sudden cessation of a medication like Darvon can leave a person in the withdrawal state. Breaking the cycle of this medication is difficult and the individual should never do so without proper medical care.
Withdrawal symptoms can appear right away after Darvon is no longer taken and can be intense for five to 14 days. A second phase or chronic abstinence can occur and last for two to six months.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with Darvon use can include, but are not limited to:
• Myalgia
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Muscular aches
• Restlessness
• Lacrimation
• Rhinorrhea
• Yawning
• Perspiration
• Chills
• Myalgia
• Mydriasis
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
Treatment of Darvon Addiction
Continued use of Darvon ensures a withdrawal phase for anyone who stops taking the medication, especially abruptly. This state can last anywhere from five days to six months and can be painful and difficult to endure alone. If the person was taking the medication for an extended time or at large doses, they likely developed a psychological and physiological dependence and breaking the cycle of the medication can only safely be done under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist.
To ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely and has a better chance of staying off the drug in the future, entering a detox center for 24/7 treatment is highly recommended. A quality center will recommend a comfortable detox using withdrawal medications as this process can be highly effective for those suffering from a Darvon addiction.
