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What Is Darvon?
Darvon is more commonly known by its generic name Propoxyphene or Propoxyphene hydrochloride. Propoxyphene is a narcotic opioid drug. It is in the class of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. Narcotic drugs work on pain receptors in nerve cells to relieve pain.
Darvon has a chemical structure similar to methadone, thus making this drug highly addictive and very frequently abused. Darvon is used to relieve mild to moderate pain.
Why Is Darvon Prescribed?
Darvon is usually prescribed by doctors to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate pain. The Propoxyphene found in Darvon works like an opiate, it clings to the receptors in the brain that sense pain thus reducing the sensation of pain. Darvon is prescribed and sold as a mild analgesic for pain that won't stop with aspirin.
Statistics Relating To Darvon
Darvon comes in tablet and liquid form. It is to be taken by mouth. It usually prescribed to be taken every 4 hours or as needed. The directions on the prescription label for Darvon should be followed carefully.
Darvon is no longer available in the United Sates. It was pulled off the market in November of 2010. There have been many cases of accidental and intentional overdose associated with the use of this drug. Combined with other central nervous system depressants, and alcohol, this drug can be deadly. There have been reports of fatalities within the first hour of overdose.
Most of the deaths associated with Darvon have occurred in patients with a history of mental or emotional illness. Suicide attempts using the prescription drug Darvon have been attempted many times by patients with a history of emotional illness. It should never be prescribed for patients with a history of suicide attempts. Under the United States controlled substance act, Darvon is a Schedule IV narcotic.
A person using Darvon over a long or short period of time can develop a morphine like dependency to it. This is why this medication is often abused. A patient taking Darvon may also develop a physical dependency for the drug over time. They will become able to tolerate this drug in high doses and need more and more of it to feel the same effects. Darvon should only be prescribed as a last resort drug for symptoms of pain that cannot be relieved by any other means.
How Is Darvon Abused?
Darvon is a drug that is frequently abused. Most abusers use Darvon to obtain an initial feeling of euphoria and well-being. For serious Darvon abusers who have developed a tolerance for the drug, it has been found that they will chew the time released tablets or crush them into a powder to snort like cocaine in order to achieve a stronger rush. A typical dose of Darvon is 65mg. An abuser or addict will take up to 250mg to 400 mg a day.
Darvon abuse is very common amongst young adults and teenagers. It is also common amongst methadone and heroin addicts. These addicts are usually trying to withdraw from the use of methadone or heroin by switching to Darvon. Some life-threatening practices of these specific types of abusers include making homemade withdrawal remedies. This is done by mixing 4 or 5 doses of Darvon with Benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium. Street names for Darvon include:
- Pinks
- Footballs
- Pink Footballs
- Yellow Footballs
- 65's
- N's.
Darvon has been reported to have many side effects. In patients who are hospitalized, and were legitimately prescribed Darvon by their doctor, the most frequently experienced side effects include dizziness, sedation, nausea and vomiting. Some of the other side effects include constipation, abdominal pains, rash, headache and lightheadedness. The most frequently experienced side effects in abusers include:
- Euphoria
- Dysphoria
- Hallucinations
- Visual Disturbances
Many people who abuse Darvon will take it in conjunction with acetaminophen in high doses, this combination of drugs can cause liver damage and stomach ulcers. Darvon can cause a serious allergic reaction which may induce respiratory failure. An overdose of the drug Darvon can be fatal.
Darvon Addiction Treatment Options
If a person suffering from Darvon abuse wishes to stop abusing this drug they should look for help by seeing their primary physician first. The doctor will be able to give the patient the guidance they need in order for them to start on a safe and healthy path to recovery.
A person discontinuing use of Darvon may experience severe withdrawals. Because of this, it is sometimes recommended for patients to seek detoxification therapy at an in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation facility. Also, counseling and treatment available in these facilities can provide for a more stable recovery.
