Darvocet Abuse
Darvocet is a synthetic narcotic, structurally related to methadone. It is usually prescribed in one of two forms; either as propoxyphene hydrochloride or the alternate form of propoxyphene napsylate. Darvocet is an opiate and the chances of Darvocet abuse are fairly high. Darvocet is generally prescribed for the control of mild to moderate pain, and is a combination of acetaminophen with the propoxyphene component. The Propoxyphene component of Darvocet works by the usual opiate method of clinging on to the pain receptors in the brain, to reduce the sensation or perception of pain. The Acetaminophen component on the other hand, reduces or stops the production of the prostaglandins which actually cause the pain.
Darvocet is usually taken orally, once every four hours, in the form of a tablet. Apart from some small differences, the two forms of propoxyphene are almost identical in their action. The only significant difference is that the napsylate form is absorbed at a much slower rate in the body, and has a longer duration of action as a result. Both the forms of Darvocet are commonly available in a range of prescription pain medication.
However, propoxyphene can be habit forming, and taking Darvocet in larger than the prescribed doses, or more frequently than prescribed, over a longer period of time than the doctor has prescribed, may lead to dependence and eventually addiction. Medical journals have warned of the addictive quality of Darvocet since it produces both psychological and physical dependence that are much the same as that of the other narcotics.
People dealing with Darvocet abuse usually take it orally, chew it, crush it to a powder and snort it like cocaine, or even dissolve the crushed tablets in water and inject the solution. It is easy for people in the process of Darvocet abuse to indulge in an overdose of the drug. The symptoms of a Darvocet overdose include any or all of the following:
• bluish tinge to the skin
• coma
• convulsions
• decreased or difficult breathing
• respiratory arrest
• decreased heart function
• extreme sleepiness
• irregular heartbeat
• sharp fall in blood pressure
• pinpoint pupils which later become dilated
• stupor
• abdominal pain
• excessive sweating
• general malaise
• kidney failure
• liver problems
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• deafness
• excessive sweating
• headache
• mental dullness
• rapid breathing
• rapid pulse
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo
• constipation
• feelings of elation or depression
• hallucinations
• lightheadedness
• minor visual disturbances
• skin rashes
• yellowed eyes and skin
Opiate based analgesic medication, like Darvocet works by altering the basic programming of the brains of their users. Darvocet abuse, over a period of time, makes the person incapable of distinguishing right from wrong, disables good judgment, and takes away control of the situation. The user stepping into the world of Darvocet abuse, no longer has the power to stop taking the medication. Long term Darvocet abuse slowly displaces natural reinforcers, making the individual incapable of deriving a sense of well being from the normal daily pleasures of family, friends, food, etc.
Darvocet is a synthetic narcotic, structurally related to methadone. It is usually prescribed in one of two forms; either as propoxyphene hydrochloride or the alternate form of propoxyphene napsylate. Darvocet is an opiate and the chances of Darvocet abuse are fairly high. Darvocet is generally prescribed for the control of mild to moderate pain, and is a combination of acetaminophen with the propoxyphene component. The Propoxyphene component of Darvocet works by the usual opiate method of clinging on to the pain receptors in the brain, to reduce the sensation or perception of pain. The Acetaminophen component on the other hand, reduces or stops the production of the prostaglandins which actually cause the pain.
Darvocet is usually taken orally, once every four hours, in the form of a tablet. Apart from some small differences, the two forms of propoxyphene are almost identical in their action. The only significant difference is that the napsylate form is absorbed at a much slower rate in the body, and has a longer duration of action as a result. Both the forms of Darvocet are commonly available in a range of prescription pain medication.
However, propoxyphene can be habit forming, and taking Darvocet in larger than the prescribed doses, or more frequently than prescribed, over a longer period of time than the doctor has prescribed, may lead to dependence and eventually addiction. Medical journals have warned of the addictive quality of Darvocet since it produces both psychological and physical dependence that are much the same as that of the other narcotics.
People dealing with Darvocet abuse usually take it orally, chew it, crush it to a powder and snort it like cocaine, or even dissolve the crushed tablets in water and inject the solution. It is easy for people in the process of Darvocet abuse to indulge in an overdose of the drug. The symptoms of a Darvocet overdose include any or all of the following:
• bluish tinge to the skin
• coma
• convulsions
• decreased or difficult breathing
• respiratory arrest
• decreased heart function
• extreme sleepiness
• irregular heartbeat
• sharp fall in blood pressure
• pinpoint pupils which later become dilated
• stupor
• abdominal pain
• excessive sweating
• general malaise
• kidney failure
• liver problems
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• deafness
• excessive sweating
• headache
• mental dullness
• rapid breathing
• rapid pulse
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo
• constipation
• feelings of elation or depression
• hallucinations
• lightheadedness
• minor visual disturbances
• skin rashes
• yellowed eyes and skin
Opiate based analgesic medication, like Darvocet works by altering the basic programming of the brains of their users. Darvocet abuse, over a period of time, makes the person incapable of distinguishing right from wrong, disables good judgment, and takes away control of the situation. The user stepping into the world of Darvocet abuse, no longer has the power to stop taking the medication. Long term Darvocet abuse slowly displaces natural reinforcers, making the individual incapable of deriving a sense of well being from the normal daily pleasures of family, friends, food, etc.
For additional information on addiction treatment or the drug
Suboxone,
Call now 1-888-Suboxone or 1-888-782-6966
E-mail: Support@SoftLandingRecovery.com>
Content provided by the Editorial Board.
This article is written by a freelance writer. It might not reflect the views and opinions of Soft Landing ltd. or its staff but has been placed here
so that our visitors may get an idea of how others think of the topic.
Information on this page last updated on 01/07/2008