Darvocet
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Darvocet is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.
Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever and a fever reducer that increases the effects of Darvocet.
DOSING:
Propoxyphene and acetaminophen usually are given every 4 hours as needed for the relief of pain.
Side Effects
There are common side effects associated with Darvocet that are less severe. You can continue taking the drug, but talk to your doctor about less severe side effects to determine if there may be a solution. Side effects which are considered common and less severe include:
- constipation
- dry mouth
- nausea or vomiting
- decreased appetite
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- muscle twitching
- sweating or itching
- decreased urination
- decreased sex drive
Precaution
Darvocet (Propoxyphene) may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Darvocet suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.
HOW TO USE:
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs, however, the drug may not work as well. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to reduce stomach upset (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement). Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best if used when the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain worsens, this medication may not work as well. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of propoxyphene napsylate (600mg per day). Do not increase your dose, take it more often or use it longer than prescribed because it can be habit-forming. If this drug is prescribed for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more of it than recommended (see Side Effects section).
Darvocet Oral Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: naltrexone.
If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting propoxyphene/acetaminophen.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), carbamazepine, cimetidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), other pain medications, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., doxepin).
Darvocet Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
