Darvocet® is a synthetic narcotic. It is made up of acetaminophen, which is commonly used for pain relief, and propoxyphene, which alters how the brain responds to pain. It is typically prescribed for the relief of pain that is mild to moderate in intensity. Unfortunately, Darvocet® can be additive when it is taken over long periods of time. The manufacturer of Darvocet® voluntarily withdrew the drug from the US market in November 2010 due to concerns about heart rhythm abnormalities.
It can be difficult to identify Darvocet® abuse. This is because an addicted person may be adept at hiding the problem, only taking the drug in secret and acting normal otherwise. Additionally, a person may abuse this drug either just once in a while or habitually. When Darvocet® abuse is only occasional, the addicted party may have an even easier time hiding it.
While it can be difficult to identify Darvocet® abuse in a loved one, doing so is not impossible. Identifying it starts with being alert for any changes in personality and behavior, no matter how small the change. For example, a person who is abusing Darvocet® may exhibit anxiety at one point, but within just a short period of time, he may appear relieved and utterly calm once more, without any obvious change in circumstance to relieve the anxiety. He may experience mood swings, seeming to feel at ease and then becoming belligerent at the slightest provocation or without reason. He may also appear overly self-confident at times.
Sometimes a person who is addicted to Darvocet® will be overly worried about running out of the medication. He may also claim to be in more pain than is probable in order to get more of the drug. He may even change doctors often in an effort to find one who is willing to keep supplying him with the drug.
Changes in sleeping habits can be a symptom of Darvocet® abuse. For example, a person on this drug may sleep for a very long time, such as more than 12 hours. He may also have periods of activity during which he exhibits more energy than expected or appears to be in a frenzy. If he stops taking the drug, he may have withdrawal symptoms that include difficulty sleeping, tremors, anxiety, and stiff muscles. He may even develop symptoms that are similar to those of the flu.
Darvocet® abuse may be treated with a non-addictive prescription drug that will block feelings of pain and help the patient withdraw from Darvocet® without a lot of unpleasant symptoms. One such drug is called buprenorphine. A person may also undergo counseling as part of his treatment. Depending on the unique needs of the patient, treatment can occur on an outpatient or inpatient basis and may last for just weeks or for a few months. Rapid detox may be used as treatment in some cases.
