With over 16 thousand hospitalizations from Darvocet in 2008 and 20 million Darvon users before it was banned, propoxyphene drugs are gaining prominence across the country.
If you or someone you know displays signs of Darvocet and Darvon addiction in West Palm Beach, our article will guide you through the next steps.
We’ll be discussing the drugs’ origins, composition, addiction potential, effects, signs of addiction, as well as the withdrawal symptoms associated.
Table of Contents
- 1 A Brief Overview of Darvocet and Darvon
- 2 How Can Darvocet and Darvon Be Abused?
- 3 Can You Get High from Darvocet and Darvon?
- 4 Side Effects of Darvocet and Darvon Abuse
- 5 Signs of Darvon and Darvocet Addiction
- 6 Withdrawal Symptoms of Darvon and Darvocet
- 7 Addiction Treatment Methods for Darvon and Darvocet Abuse
- 8 Seek Help Today
A Brief Overview of Darvocet and Darvon
Mass-produced in the 50s, Darvocet initially gained recognition as a potent, harmless painkiller. Drug manufacturers created the medicine using synthetic opioids that target your central nervous system.
This opioid is known as propoxyphene. In addition to this active ingredient, Darvocet is also composed of acetaminophen.
The chemical is more popularly referred to as paracetamol and is commonly added to other painkillers, like Tylenol.
The composition of Darvon is similar to high-risk drugs like Percocet since it’s a mixture of opioids and mild acetaminophen. As for Darvon, it has the same ingredients as Darvocet without the added acetaminophen. The drug also contains traces of caffeine and aspirin.
Since their production, Darvocet and Darvon have notoriously become associated with multiple fatalities. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to ban the drug.
Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorized Darvocet and Darvon under Schedule IV, which places them under the same group of drugs as Xanax, Valium, and Tramadol.
Understanding the Effects of Propoxyphene
Propoxyphene is made from synthetic opioids. Synthesizing opioids allows pharmaceutical professionals to adjust chemical levels to enhance pain-relieving analgesic properties while decreasing their addiction potential.
Interestingly, manufacturing propoxyphene was overseen by the Department of Defense as a classified project. The research aimed to find a less addictive alternative to codeine. Despite being successful, an opioid still carries the risk of addiction.
Additionally, the FDA banned the drug because it found data stipulating that propoxyphene contains toxins damaging to the heart.
Even when administered in therapeutic doses, the drug seems to have promoted abnormal heart rhythms by causing changes to the organ’s electrical activity. For this reason, the FDA saw that this risk outweighed its pain-relieving benefits and decided to ban it.
How Can Darvocet and Darvon Be Abused?
Those suffering from opioid addiction typically abuse Darvocet and Darvon by crushing the pink pills into fine powder. The drug is then snorted, bypassing the time-release mechanism of the drug to produce a stronger high.
Pills need to be administered by mouth so they can enter your bloodstream first. Otherwise, when it floods the nasal membrane, it goes through the blood-brain barrier.
This lining segregates the blood from the brain. This passage skips the brain’s receptors, catalyzing the drug’s effects.
Can You Get High from Darvocet and Darvon?
Darvocet carries a higher risk of abuse than Darvon because of its pain relief acetaminophen addition. This active ingredient further intensifies the effects of the opioid propoxyphene.
Nonetheless, individuals suffering from abuse can still become addicted to Darvon from its single-active opioid ingredient alone.
The drug heavily stimulates opioid receptors and activates the reward process in your brain. This creates a pleasurable effect, leading to addiction potential.
If someone is afflicted with substance abuse, they’re more likely to engage in mixing drugs, increasing the risk of overdose.
Side Effects of Darvocet and Darvon Abuse
Darvocet and Darvon, like most other pain relievers in the market, often cause side effects. One of the most popular includes an increase in pain tolerance and slowed breathing.
Plus, if someone is already struggling with mental illnesses like depression and suicidal thoughts, drug abuse can worsen these conditions.
Meanwhile, if an individual is struggling with substance use disorder, administering these opioids can exacerbate these side effects. Some of these are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Sedation
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Too much sleep
- Mood changes
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
Signs of Darvon and Darvocet Addiction
If your loved one suffers from Darvocet and Darvon addiction, you can pinpoint the signs from earlier stages to act sooner.
One of the most prominent symptoms is increased tolerance, resulting in taking higher doses to achieve the same euphoric effects of the drug. In other words, your brain will begin craving the drug and develop a strong physical dependence.
Whether it’s you or someone you know, here’s what to look out for if you suspect a Darvon or Darvocet addiction:
- Lying about pain to receive a higher dosage.
- Showing strong cravings.
- Talking to several medical professionals (or doctor shopping) to receive more drugs.
- Displaying signs of liver damage, including jaundice.
- Snorting the drug.
- Personal relationship struggles, whether with family, work, or friends.
- Inability to complete daily tasks.
- Drastic mood swings and irritability.
- Sleeping for prolonged periods.
- Stealing prescriptions from other patients.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Darvon and Darvocet
As with any drug that triggers dependence, Darvon and Darvocet will cause withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking it. These opioids even carry distinct withdrawal symptoms compared to other drugs too, such as skin crawling.
Besides that, here are the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Physical aches
- Lowered concentration
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Vomiting
- A lot of sweating
- Insomnia
- Mild tremors
- Racing thoughts
- Mood changes
Addiction Treatment Methods for Darvon and Darvocet Abuse
Those struggling with Darvon and Darvocet addiction can explore multiple avenues of recovery. One of the first steps to tackling substance abuse is detox.
Darvon and Darvocet Detox
Detox involves ridding your body completely of any traces of the drug. This is best done with professional supervision at an addiction treatment facility.
As you or your loved ones enter this phase, expect to experience withdrawal symptoms. That’s when medical professionals typically administer certain medications to alleviate these symptoms.
These drugs can target physical pains, particularly in your muscles and joints. They also attempt to ease nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment for Darvocet and Darvon addiction will entail a residency at a specialized facility. There, you or your loved one will receive 24/7 supervision and assistance.
The treatment also involves attending individual and group therapy sessions, as well as engaging in recreational activities and educational sessions to help you on your way to recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment, however, offers a less intensive care plan. Patients will live in their own homes, but attend multiple group and individual therapy sessions at a treatment facility.
This option is ideal for those who have commitments, such as school and a job. Overall, outpatient programs are highly flexible and can be tailored to several conditions.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A PHP offers a middle between an outpatient and inpatient treatment plan. You don’t have to reside in a facility like an inpatient option, but you’ll attend more sessions than an outpatient program.
You can choose to couple a PHP with a sober living environment as well. This treatment plan is highly beneficial for those who want to stay with their family while receiving continuous support.
Seek Help Today
Before its FDA ban, the DEA categorized Darvocet and Darvon in its top ten list of abused drugs in the U.S. For this reason, addiction to this drug poses a serious threat.
As someone who knows or is struggling with Darvocet and Darvon addiction in West Palm Beach, don’t hesitate to contact us at Allure Detox, a Drug and Alcohol Detox Center in the area.
