Darvocet/Darvon Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects

Last Updated March 21, 2024

Darvocet and Darvon are the brand names for propoxyphene, an opiate-based medication that was previously prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain. Propoxyphene medications were banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 after evidence showed that these substances were responsible for heart arrhythmias, suicidal ideation, overdoses, and seizures. These medications are virtually the same, except Darvon contains propoxyphene as its active ingredient, while Darvocet contains propoxyphene and acetaminophen.

As opioid-based medications, Darvocet/Darvon are known to be addictive due to their euphoric and sedating qualities. Tolerance to these substances also develops quickly, and they can be abused with other drugs to achieve a greater high. While Darvocet/Darvon are no longer prescribed in the U.S., some people can still obtain these drugs on the streets or through illegal means. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Darvocet/Darvon abuse and addiction.

Before going into the treatment methods that are available for Darvocet/Darvon addiction, this article will provide an outline of what these medications are, as well as their long-term effects.

What Is Darvocet/Darvon?

Darvocet and Darvon are medications that contain propoxyphene, an opioid analgesic; however, Darvocet also contains acetaminophen, an added pain-relieving ingredient found in Tylenol.

Once prescribed for mild to moderate pain relief, propoxyphene medications were eventually prohibited by the FDA due to the presence of dangerous side effects, such as heart arrhythmias and seizures. Darvocet/Darvon were also involved in numerous intentional and accidental deaths, causing some physicians to label it as “the worst drug in history.”

While these medications are currently banned in the U.S. and Europe, they are still available for restricted use in some parts of the world, such as Australia.

Slang names for Darvocet/Darvon include:

Footballs
Pinks
N’s

How Do Darvocet/Darvon Work?

Darvocet/Darvon are partial opiate agonists, which means that they produce less effects on the body’s opiate receptors than full agonists, such as morphine and heroin. However, the general effect of propoxyphene is to activate opiate receptors, causing pain neurotransmitters (such as glutamate) and pleasure chemicals like dopamine to be more abundant in the brain. This leads to feelings of pain relief, relaxation, sedation, and euphoria (if taken at high doses). With Darvocet, the added acetaminophen also works on the body by reducing fever and relieving pain.

Are Darvocet/Darvon Addictive?

Opioids are known for being addictive substances. While Darvocet/Darvon are not as strong as other opioids like morphine, the drugs can still be addictive because of the feel-good effects that they produce. This is especially pronounced if the drug is abused and taken in high doses.

Like other opioids, Darvocet/Darvon can produce tolerance in the body, requiring a person to take higher and higher dosages to experience the same effects. This rise in tolerance can then lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is discontinued.

Aside from tolerance, Darvocet/Darvon is also addictive if an individual uses the drug chronically for psychological reasons (e.g., to mask anxiety). People who abuse opioids for these reasons often struggle with underlying mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Opioids can therefore become psychologically and emotionally addictive, making it difficult to feel normal without them.

The other downside to opioid medications like Darvocet/Darvon is that withdrawal can also cause anxiety and depression. This can result in an endless cycle of drug abuse that can be difficult to break without proper treatment.

Darvocet/Darvon Addiction vs. Dependence

When it comes to drug abuse, it’s also worth noting that there is a difference between dependence and addiction. Dependence, for example, is a state of adaptation in the body that develops after repeated use of the drug. In this state, a person isn’t mentally obsessed or attached to the drug. However, if the drug is discontinued abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can occur and may require medical assistance to taper off.

Addiction, on the other hand, is considered a chronic, primary disease that is marked by compulsive use, cravings, and continued use despite any negative consequences. Therefore, if a person is addicted to Darvocet/Darvon, they will be obsessed with taking it and will usually take more of it than prescribed. People who have an addiction feel unable to function normally without the drug and will go to any length to keep taking it.

Statistical Overview of Prevalence of Abuse

According to the FDA, in 2010 (the year that Darvocet/Darvon were banned), 10 million people were taking propoxyphene-containing medications in the U.S.
An estimated 10,000 people have died due to Darvocet overdoses since 1981.
In 2008, approximately 16,000 people were hospitalized due to Darvocet use.
In 2019, opioids were responsible for over 49,000 overdose deaths.
It is estimated that roughly 29% of people who get opioid prescriptions end up abusing them.
Between 4% and 6% of individuals who abuse prescription opioids eventually transition to heroin.
Prior to the FDA ban, the DEA listed Darvon as one of the top-ten abused drugs in the U.S.

The History of Darvocet/Darvon

Darvon was manufactured in 1955 by Eli Lilly & Co. as a pain-relieving medication, followed later by Darvocet. For decades, both drugs were used to treat migraines and other pain-related ailments, producing effects that were milder, but similar, to morphine (although morphine is 5 times more potent than Darvocet/Darvon).

By the 1970s, the health risks of these medications became more apparent. The group, Public Citizen petitioned to have propoxyphene banned in 1978, citing numerous cases of heart problems that arose while taking these medications. Although their request was denied, the group tried to have it barred again in 2006. In response to this request, the FDA implemented an advisory committee to assess the case and the drugs were eventually discontinued in 2010. The final report determined that propoxyphene was associated with more 2,100 cases of abnormal (and sometimes deadly) side effects such as suicide, heart arrhythmias, overdoses, and death.

Until their prohibition, Darvocet/Darvon were widely used in the U.S., with some 20 million prescriptions written in 2007 alone. These drugs can still be obtained on the black market.

Dosage and Methods of Use

Darvocet comes in an oval-shaped pink pill, while Darvon comes in a pink capsule or yellow, oval tablet. Both drugs are imprinted with the name of the medication and its dosage (e.g., DARVOCET-N-100). In terms of their ingredients, a typical Darvocet-N 100 pill contained 100 mg of propoxyphene and 650 mg of acetaminophen.

In terms of the dosage, a typical prescribed amount was 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours, depending on the strength of the pill or capsule. For example, Darvocet-N 100 tablets were prescribed as 1 pill every 4 hours, with a maximum of 6 per day. Darvocet-N 50, on the other hand, could be taken as 2 pills every 4 hours, with a maximum of 12 per day.

Physical and Neurological Effects of Darvocet/Darvon

Darvocet/Darvon affect brain chemicals and receptors that are responsible for pain, pleasure, and mood. Some of the effects that a person may experience when taking these drugs include:

A brisk, euphoric high (in large doses)
Pain relief
Relaxation
Sedation
Dry mouth
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Potential Side Effects

Darvocet/Darvon can also cause uncomfortable side effects, especially if they’re taken in high doses. These include:

Lightheadedness
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Suicidal ideation
Dysphoria
Convulsions
Drowsiness
Sleepiness
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Headache
Muscle pain
Blurred vision
Skin rash

Common Darvocet/Darvon Combinations

While Darvocet/Darvon was primarily used for pain relief, some people have abused the drug to get high by taking large doses or mixing them with other substances. Frequent combinations with these medications include:

Alcohol

Combining two nervous system depressants is a dangerous combination. As alcohol and opioids like Darvocet/Darvon both cause sedating effects on the body, it not only enhances the side effects, but it can also lead to overdoses. The drugs can mask each other’s effects when combined, causing a person to be unaware of how intoxicated they are.

Also, because Darvocet/Darvon are known for their damaging effects on the heart, mixing it with alcohol can be fatal (especially as alcohol also puts strain on the heart). Other risks associated with mixing these substances include over-sedation, coma, respiratory problems, and seizures.

Other Opioids

Mixing Darvocet/Darvon with other opioids like Tramadol or Oxycodone could also have dangerous consequences. Again, increasing the amount of substances that depress the nervous system may worsen the side effects and lead to potentially harmful outcomes. Aside from the risk of overdosing, taking Darvocet/Darvon with other opioids increases the risk of seizures, over-sedation, respiratory distress, coma, and death.

Anti-Anxiety Medications/Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (benzos) such as Xanax or Ativan can also produce harmful effects similar to opioids and alcohol. Darvocet/Darvon and benzos both suppress breathing, which means that mixing these drugs could lead to dangerously slowed breathing. Other effects that can result from combining benzos and opioids are suicidal thoughts, impaired judgment, confusion, and problems with concentration.

Stimulants

While stimulants produce the opposite effect as opiates in the body, mixing these two substances is also risky. Not only can these opposing drugs cancel each other out and make someone think they are more sober than they actually are, but Darvocet/Darvon and stimulants are also harmful to the heart. For example, as stimulants increase heartrate and put more strain on the cardiovascular system, Darvocet/Darvon are known to produce heart arrhythmias and heart problems. While individuals may want to take stimulants and opioids together to enhance the high, this could be highly toxic and can cause strokes, heart attacks, aneurysms, or respiratory failure.

Negative Health Consequences

Like most drugs, using medications like Darvocet/Darvon for an extended period (or in high doses) can lead to damaging effects on a person’s health. Below are some of the potential consequences:

Heart problems
Fatal liver damage
Chronic constipation
Arrhythmia
Congestive heart failure
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chronic dyspnea
Pancreatitis
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Deafness/hearing loss
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Low calcium levels

Overdose

People who abuse Darvocet/Darvon are also at a high risk of overdose. Some of the key signs and symptoms to watch out for include:

Bluish skin color
Coma
Convulsions
Decreased or slowed breathing
Extreme fatigue
Irregular heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Pinpoint pupils or dilated pupils
Abdominal pain
Excessive sweating

Signs & Symptoms of Darvocet/Darvon Addiction

Darvocet/Darvon can be physically and psychologically addicting, especially if they are used long term. The signs and symptoms of addiction vary depending on how much you take and for how long. However, there are key signs, as outlined below.

Physical Signs of Addiction

Individuals who regularly take Darvocet/Darvon can exhibit physical signs of addiction, such as:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Confusion
Hallucinations
Skin rash and jaundice
Blurred vision
Headaches
Delusions of grandeur
Frenzy-type behavior
Sudden changes in mood
Extended periods of sleep
Calm and relaxed feelings
Euphoria
Loss of appetite
Lack of stability
Dry mouth

Behavioral Signs

Sudden changes in behavior can be clear indicators of a problem. Some of the signs of Darvocet/Darvon addiction also apply to other drug dependencies, and can include:

Displaying an obsession with Darvocet brands or color when buying a prescription.
Frequently running out of prescriptions.
Faking pain and lying to request more Darvocet prescriptions.
Taking other people’s Darvocet/Darvon prescriptions.
Taking Darvocet through unusual means, such as inhaling or snorting.
Signs of jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) — caused by liver damage from acetaminophen in Darvocet.
Hiding or lying about Darvocet/Darvon
Continuing to use Darvocet/Darvon despite negative side effects.
Increased isolation from work, family, and social life.
Showing a loss of interest in activities or hobbies.
Frequent mood swings
Financial problems or debts.
Exhibiting suspicious behavior such as sneaking around.
Abusing other substances (poly-substance use).

Resources

If you or a loved one are struggling with Darvocet/Darvon abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Treatment and support are readily available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment.

You can also find a list of treatment centers near you on our website to help get you on the path to recovery.

Key Sources

Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (2021). Drug Overdose Deaths. CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/index.html.

DeNoon, D. (2010). Darvon, Darvocet Banned: Controversial Painkiller Sunk by Dangerous Heart Side Effects. WebMD.com. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20101119/darvon-darvocet-banned.

Drugs.com. (2020). Darvocet. https://www.drugs.com/darvocet.html.

Gandey, A. (2011). Physicians Say Good Riddance to ‘Worst Drug in History.’ Medscape.com. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/736718.

RxList. (2020). Darvocet-N. RxList.com. https://www.rxlist.com/darvocet-n-drug.htm.

Trescot, A., Datta, S., Lee, M., and Hansen, H. (2008). Opioid Pharmacology. Pain Physician. 1, S133-S153. https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=OTg3&journal=42.

Medical Disclaimer

At RehabAid.com, we are dedicated to helping people recover from problematic substance use and associated mental health disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. Information on treatment and support options is readily available through the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357. To further assist you along the path to recovery, the treatment center locator on our website allows you to easily find rehabilitation programs and services in your local area.

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