The generic medication that is generally branded as Darvocet-N, propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen is a combination of medications that is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Propoxyphene serves as a narcotic pain reliever of the opiate-type that acts on certain brain centers to deliver noticeable pain relief. The acetaminophen acts as the non-narcotic pain reliever.
Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen is an odorless, white crystalline powder, in its true form. The medication has a bitter taste and is slightly soluble in water, although it is soluble in methanol, ethanol, chloroform and acetone. In the United States, there are very stringent rules surround the use of this medication and severe warnings are given for those who do take it as the misuse can be life-threatening.
Abuses of Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen
Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen is classified as a Schedule IV narcotic under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. This drug has the potential to produce dependence of the morphine type and therefore, an addiction is likely when taken over the long-term or in high doses. It is easily abused and repeated administration of the drug can result in psychic dependence, physical dependence and tolerance.
As a mu-opioid agonist, Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen is subject to misuse, abuse and addiction. While addiction is a clear risk, physical dependence generally does not occur to a significant degree until after several weeks of continued usage. Chronic pain patients can easily develop dependence on this medication and the administration should be guided by the degree of tolerance manifested.
Effects of Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen
Even when used correctly and according to prescription, Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen acts on certain centers in the brain and can create euphoric-like effects. It is this euphoria that often leads to misuse, even if the medication was started for legitimate means.
A number of different effects have been known to accompany Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen. Common effects as a result of normal use of the drug include dizziness, sedation, nausea and vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, skin rashes, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, euphoria, dysphoria, hallucinations and minor visual disturbances.
More serious effects of Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen include completed suicide, accidental and intentional overdose, drug dependence, cardiac arrest, coma, drug toxicity, respiratory arrest, cardio-respiratory arrest and even death.
Withdrawal of Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen
If Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen is misused; tolerance is certain, which can result in physiological and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can appear immediately and the most observable will disappear in five to 14 days without treatment. A second phase of secondary or chronic abstinence can last for two to six months.
The symptoms associated with the withdrawal from Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen can include but are not limited to:
Treatment of Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen
The development of a physiological and psychological dependence on Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen can create intense pain and psychological distress when the medication is discontinued. To avoid the difficult withdrawal symptoms – or at least minimize their impact – it is recommended that users taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist.
The best quality treatment for a patient addicted to Propoxyphene Napsylate with Acetaminophen is a center designed for 24/7 comfortable detox treatment. This process will ensure that he or she is able to rid the body of the drug completely. A comfortable detox method works to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual suffering with the addiction and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to address cravings for the drug.