Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet)
General
Info:
Darvon (Propoxyphene) pain reliever is in a class of drugs called narcotic
analgesics. It relieves pain. Darvon (Propoxyphene) is used to treat
moderate-to-severe pain. Darvon (Propoxyphene) pain reliever may also be used
for purposes other than those listed here.
How
To Take It:
Take Darvon (Propoxyphene) pain medication exactly as directed. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Darvon
(Propoxyphene) with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Never
take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much Darvon
(Propoxyphene) could be very harmful. The maximum amount of Darvon
(Propoxyphene) that can be taken safely in one day is 390 mg (6 Darvon
capsules). Do not exceed this amount.
Do
not stop taking Darvon (Propoxyphene) pain medication suddenly if you have been
taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause
withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Increase the amount of
fiber and water (six to eight full glasses daily) in your diet to prevent
constipation. Do not share this pain medication with anyone else.
Store
Darvon (Propoxyphene) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Possible
Side Effects:
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Darvon
(Propoxyphene) and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives); slow, weak breathing; seizures; cold, clammy skin;
unconsciousness; or severe weakness or dizziness.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Darvon
(Propoxyphene) and talk to your doctor if you experience: constipation; dry
mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; dizziness, tiredness, or
lightheadedness; muscle twitches; sweating; itching; decreased urination; or
decreased sex drive.
Drug
Interactions:
Darvon (Propoxyphene) may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants such as
warfarin (Coumadin), which could lead to bleeding. It may also increase the
effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol), which could lead to dangerous side effects.
Do not take propoxyphene if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. The following drugs
may lead to dangerous sedation if taken with propoxyphene: antihistamines such
as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol,
Compoz, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), tricyclic
antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Sinequan), and
serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft),
and paroxetine (Paxil), and some others.