Can you get high on Darvocet?

Yes. Like many painkillers, you can get high on Darvocet. Because serious heart issues can arise from using Darvocet, Darvocet has been withdrawn from the US market since 2010. However, this drug is still available in some countries.

3
minute read

Yes. It’s possible to get high on Darvocet.

However, the medication is no longer available legally on the American market due to its adverse effects…although abuse is still present due to stocks of old prescription or illegal purchasing online or on the streets. Learn more about the FDA’s decision to pull the drug and ask your questions about Darvocet here.

What’s in Darvocet?

Darvocet contains two different drugs: acetaminophen and propoxyphene. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, a non-addictive painkiller that is very safe when taken in normal doses. Propoxyphene, however, is an addictive opioid (opioid withdrawal medicine may be required when you stop taking Darvocet) and can cause serious health problems.

If you or a loved one have a Darvocet abuse or addiction problem…help is available! You can get treatment and get better. Check out this outline of Darvocet addiction treatment programs to learn where you can turn for help and what to expect from rehab.

Darvocet and central nervous system effects

Darvocet acts as a central nervous system depressant. Some of the effects that propoxyphene, the main ingredient in Darvocet, can have on the CNS are:

  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • euphoric feeling
  • impaired coordination
  • sedation
  • weakness

Serious side effects of Darvocet

Plus, you can experience serious adverse side effects on Darvocet. When taken in larger amounts than typically prescribed, Darvocet abuse can result in dangerous side effects. Any of these side effects can lead to death. Some serious adverse effects of Darvocet are:

  1. breathing that is slower than normal, or stops completely
  2. coma or unconsciousness
  3. lowered pulse and blood pressure

Mixing Darvocet with other substances

The risk of serious adverse effects from Darvocet increases dramatically when you mix Darvocet with alcohol or other medications. Even medications like antihistamines, which seem fairly harmless, can be dangerous because of the drowsiness they cause. Darvocet should never be combined with any other CNS-depressing drug.

FDA Withdrawal of Propoxyphene

In November 2010, the FDA announced that propoxyphene, one of the active ingredients in Darvocet, would be withdrawn from the market. Studies had shown that Darvocet posed serious health risks which outweighed its pain-relieving benefits. Propoxyphene was shown to put its users at risk of serious, sometimes fatal, heart rhythm abnormalities. The drug has also been withdrawn and is no longer available in most of Europe.

Where is Darvocet legal?

Darvocet can be especially dangerous in elderly patients. But Darvocet is still available in some countries.

Where are medications containing propoxyphene still used? Currently, medications similar to Darvocet are still available in Australia, South Africa, and France. While it is not being given to new patients in the UK, those who have taken it in the past may still be able to obtain it. If you are still taking propoxyphene because you live in a country where it’s still available, you should consult your doctor about taking a safer pain medication, such as Tramadol (dangers of taking Tramadol are significantly less).

Questions about Darvocet

Do you still have questions about Darvocet? Please leave us your questions below. We will be happy to try to respond to your questions ASAP and answer legitimate questions with a personal and prompt response.

Reference Sources: FDA News Release: Xanodyne agrees to withdraw propozyphene from the US market
Medline Plus: Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene
FDA: Darvocet Medication Guide
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
I am ready to call
i Who Answers?