Darvocet, a prescription narcotic pain reliever containing propoxyphene and acetaminophen, can be quite effective at eliminating pain. However, taking Darvocet is not without risk, which is why the drug comes with a few warnings. People interested in taking this medication should thoroughly discuss all potential risks with their doctors before deciding if this pain reliever is right for them.
Fatal Overdoses
Many fatalities have been reported as a result of an overdose of products containing propoxyphene, one of the main ingredients in Darvocet. These fatalities generally occurred in patients with a history of suicide attempts or ideation or those taking other prescription medications, and it was not uncommon for the deaths to occur as soon as one hour after overdosing, according to the popular medication website RxList.com. Therefore, those with a history of suicidal tendencies, mental illness or those taking multiple prescription medications should not have Darvocet prescribed to them.
Respitory Depression
Although respiratory depression occurs most often in people who are elderly or debilitated or who used the drug in combination with other medications that cause respiratory depression, all people taking Darvocet should be aware of the risk. Those with any pre-existing conditions that cause respiratory depression, including cor pulmonale (heart disease caused by lung problems), hypoxia, hypercapnia (higher than normal carbob dioxide in the blood) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should only use Darvocet under extreme caution.
Impaired Mental or Physical Abilities
Taking Darvocet may impair mental or physical abilities. The popular health website eMedTV.com warns that reflexes and reaction time may be affected without the person realizing it. Therefore, you should avoid potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you understand how your body will react to the medication.
Dependence
Darvocet can be habit-forming, and physical dependence or tolerance may develop, warns RxList.com. If you discontinue Darvocet suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, perspiration, chills, muscle pain, dilation of pupils, irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping and an increase in respiratory rate, blood pressure or heart rate.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Children
This medication is classified under category C by the Food and Drug Administration, which means it is not known whether Darvocet affects reproduction or causes harm to an unborn baby when given to a pregnant woman. Therefore, avoid this medication while pregnant if possible. Both propoxyphene and acetaminophen are excreted in human milk, but according to RxList.com, they do not appear to cause adverse effects in nursing infants. Darvocet should only be prescribed under caution to breastfeeding women, and those women need to monitor the nursing baby closely for signs of sedation, including poor feeding, respiratory depression or somnolence. In addition, the safety and effectiveness of Darvocet have not been established in pediatric patients.
Drug and Alcohol Interactions
Serious adverse events, including death, can occur if you take Darvocet is with central nervous system depressants or alcohol. Those whose medical conditions requiring the use of sedatives, muscle relaxants, antidepressants or tranquilizers should avoid using Darvocet if possible and only use it under extreme caution. Avoid drinking alcohol with Darvocet entirely, recommends Drugs.com. In addition, don't use Darvocet with any other medication that contains acetaminophen because of the potential for acetaminophen hepatoxicity, a dangerous medical condition that occurs when you take too much acetaminophen.
