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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.