Darvocet - Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen

Discontinued

Darvocet Uses, Side Effects and Status

Updated on Tuesday 11th of February 2025 11:58:44 pm

When was Darvocet discontinued?

In the United Kingdom Darvocet was started to be discontinued in 2005 and was finally banned in 2007. The regulatory body called the CSM said "the risks outweight the benefits".

In the United States the citizens tried to get Darvocet discontinued in 2006 but it wasnt till 2010 that the USA realised the risks and finally banned the drug.

 

WHAT IS DARVOCET?

Darvocet is the brand name for dextropropoxyphene, an opioid pain reliever created to help treat mild pain as well as coughing. It has been taken off the market both in The United States, Canada as well as in Europe because of a high number of deathly overdoses and heart problems that came with using the drug.
It usually has other ingredients as well, such as acetaminophen and aspirin. Other trade names you could find it under were Darvocet-N and Di-gesic. Street names of the drug are “Dillies”, “D” or “Yellow footballs”

HOW DO I FEEL ON DARVOCET?

Darvocet, being an opioid pain killer, it acts as one. The effects of it are relaxing and calming from the relieving of pain, physical and emotional relief and because it is a narcotic drug it might trigger a “buzzing” feeling - a “high”.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO DARVOCET?

Keep in mind that Darvocet has been banned from the US and European market since 2010 due to it causing deathly overdoses and heart problems. Propoxyphene in the drug has been shown to be a high risk for causing heart abnormalities. So yes, Darvocet has a few side effects. Besides being a high risky drug for overdoses, cardiac problems and respiratory problems, it can also make you experience confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, sedation and fatigue.

CAN I GET ADDICTED TO DARVOCET?

Because it is an opiate, Darvocet can be highly addictive. The pain relieving effects and the “high” it can trigger makes Darvocet tempting to abuse and a risk for causing dependence and addiction. Symptoms of addiction are intense cravings, not managing your day to day tasks without a dose and rough withdrawal symptoms the moment you stop “cold turkey”.
The moment you stop taking Darvocet, you will feel it both emotionally as well as in your body. This is because both your body and mind will grieve after it. You relied on it to help with your pain and to give you an emotional well-being. Withdrawal symptoms can include body aches, tremors, sweating, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, irritability, restlessness and even paranoia.

HOW CAN I QUIT DARVOCET?

The best way to quit Darvocet is to get yourself into a drug rehab program. There are drug rehab centers specialized in drug addictions. You’ll go through a detox period that could last between 24h to a few days. Afterwards a recovery period will follow where you will participate in counselling sessions and go to through medical and psychiatric evaluations to keep check on your progress.
You can choose to go through the recovery period by staying at the addiction rehab clinic or by staying at home, but coming in for your regular checkups and sessions. Either way by taking part in a drug rehab program, you will get to re-learn what it’s like to be you again, but more emotionally stable. You’ll learn your addiction and understand, as well as find out how to manage your emotions and stressors without drugs.
Support groups and group therapy will help you normalize your situation being a great opportunity to meet other addicts that go through exactly what you are. Alternative therapies such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, dance therapy, music therapy or equine-assisted therapy will all help you to get to know yourself better and reach a place of acceptance and love.