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Propoxyphene may be habit forming. Physical and/ or
psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal
effects are possible if the pain medication is
stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose
treatment. Do not stop taking darvocet (propoxyphene
and acetaminophen) suddenly without first
talking to your doctor if you have been taking
darvocet continuously for more than 5 to 7 days.
Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.
Do not take propoxyphene and acetaminophen if you
suffer from depression or have suicidal thoughts.
Do not take more of this prescription pain
medication than is prescribed. If the pain is not
being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
Do not take other over-the-counter and prescription
products that contain acetaminophen. Too much
acetaminophen could be dangerous. Talk to your
doctor or pharmacist before taking any
over-the-counter preparations.
What is Darvocet?
Darvocet is a combination of the drugs propoxyphene
and acetaminophen. Propoxyphene is related to
codeine and is in a class of drugs called narcotic
analgesics. This drug works by changing the way the
body feels pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain
reliever that increases the effects of propoxyphene.
Together, acetaminophen and propoxyphene are used to
relieve pain. Acetaminophen and propoxyphene may
also be used for purposes other than those listed.
Follow the directions for using codeine medicines
provided by your doctor. CODEINE MEDICINES MAY BE
TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach.
STORE CODEINE DRUGS at room temperature in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF CODEINE MEDICINE and you are
taking it regularly, take the missed dose of codeine
as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your
next codeine dose, skip the missed dose and go back
to your regular codeine dosing schedule. Do not take
2 doses of codeine at once.
What should I share with my Doctor before I take
Darvocet:
Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene if you
suffer from depression or have suicidal thoughts.
Before taking this prescription drug, tell your
doctor if you have:
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction
- drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- asthma
- urinary retention
- an enlarged prostate
- hypothyroidism
- seizures or epilepsy
- gallbladder disease
- a head injury
- Addison's disease
You may not be able to take acetaminophen and
propoxyphene, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have
any of the conditions listed above.
Propoxyphene may cause addiction and withdrawal
symptoms as well as other harmful effects in an
unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen and
propoxyphene without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
Propoxyphene may cause addiction and withdrawal
symptoms in a nursing baby. Do not take
acetaminophen and propoxyphene without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are younger than 18 years of age or older
than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to
experience side effects from acetaminophen and
propoxyphene therapy. Your doctor may prescribe a
lower dose.
Dose:
Take acetaminophen and propoxyphene exactly as
directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take acetaminophen and propoxyphene with food or
milk if it upsets your stomach.
Propoxyphene may be habit forming. Physical and/ or
psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal
effects are possible if the medication is stopped
suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do
not stop taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene
suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you
have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to
7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the
dose.
Constipation may be a side effect of treatment with
acetaminophen and propoxyphene. Increasing the
amount of fiber and water (six to eight full
glasses) in the diet may reduce constipation.
Do not share this medication with anyone else.
Store acetaminophen and propoxyphene at room
temperature away from moisture and heat.
Darvocet Overdose:
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose
is suspected.
Symptoms of a acetaminophen and propoxyphene
overdose include slow breathing, seizures,
dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma,
confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small
pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
Darvocet Side Effects:
If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop taking acetaminophen and
propoxyphene and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
.closing of the throat;
.swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· slow, weak breathing; · seizures;
· cold, clammy skin;
· severe weakness or dizziness;
· unconsciousness;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
· unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising.
Propoxyphene may be habit forming. Physical and/
or psychological dependence can occur, and
withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is
stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose
treatment. Do not stop taking acetaminophen and
propoxyphene suddenly without first talking to your
doctor if you have been taking it continuously for
more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to
gradually reduce the dose.
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Caution:
Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene if you
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
Dangerous side effects could result.
Propoxyphene may increase the effects of oral
anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) which
could lead to bleeding. It may also increase the
effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol) leading to
toxicity. Be sure your doctor is aware if you are
taking either of these medications.
Drowsiness or dizziness caused by acetaminophen and
propoxyphene may be increased by other drugs such as
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives
(used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Together,
these medicines may cause dangerous sedation,
possibly resulting in unconsciousness or death. Tell
your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,
and do not take any medicine without first talking
to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact
with acetaminophen and propoxyphene. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
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