Darvocet withdrawal is physical and psychological symptoms which occur as a result of suddenly stopping use of the drug Darvocet. Darvocet is a prescription pain medication used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It contains the narcotic opioid drug propoxyphene, which is chemically related to methadone, and acetaminophen. In November 2010, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew propoxyphene from the market, including Darvocet, due to the drug's ability to cause serious changes in the heart rhythm, even at normal doses.
Darvocet addiction and abuse are very real and fairly common problems among both recreational users and those who originally used the drug to treat pain. Like other opioids, Darvocet exerts its effects on the portion of the brain that produces feelings of well-being. Many individuals who abuse Darvocet will crave more of the pleasant sensations the drug produces, which may then turn into an addiction. Individuals who use Darvocet in this way are at significant risk of developing both psychological and physical dependence to the drug. Individuals addicted to Darvocet will do just about anything to get the drug, and often try to buy it through illegal means, such as from foreign countries or online sources that do not require a prescription.
Another reason Darvocet is so addictive it because over time, individuals become accustomed to the effects of the drug, and need larger and larger doses to achieve the intended effects or "high" that they are looking to get. If use of Darvocet is stopped too quickly, physical withdrawal symptoms may occur. Darvocet withdrawal can occur with long-term, legitimate use of the drug, and with individuals who illicitly abuse the drug. Withdrawal is a common physical response to stopping many medications like Darvocet, not just street drugs. Individuals should be aware of the risks involved with Darvocet withdrawal, and should seek the help that they need through this process at a long-term inpatient drug treatment facility where they can be detoxed and rehabilitated.
Symptoms of withdrawal from Darvocet can vary in intensity depending on length of time the individual has been using the drug and dosage. Individuals begin to experience Darvocet withdrawal symptoms as soon as four hours after the last dose of the drug. Typical of opioid withdrawal, the worst effects are flu-like symptoms which are typically experienced in the first two days, but other symptoms may persist for up to a month after cessation of use. Darvocet withdrawal symptoms may include:
It is difficult to predict how long a person might experience Darvocet withdrawal. Sometimes Darvocet withdrawal symptoms will last longer, but be less severe, for people who do not clear Darvocet from the body as quickly as normal. This could occur with individuals who have liver or kidney disease or the elderly. Similarly, Darvocet withdrawal symptoms may have a shorter duration, but be more intense, for healthy, young people. The best thing to do is to contact a counselor at a long-term inpatient drug treatment or rehab facility to determine the correct approach and type of treatment that is needed.
Aside from the risks associated with Darvocet addiction and dependence and withdrawal, there are serious physical consequences associated with abuse of the drug which can be extremely dangerous. Taking high doses of any narcotic including Darvocet can result in breathing problems, extreme drowsiness, coma, and even death. As a matter of fact, a Darvocet overdose can be lethal within just a few minutes. Additionally, taking high doses of acetaminophen, a main ingredient in Darvocet, is likely to cause liver failure and death. The emotional and social price that goes along with Darvocet addiction can be equally devastating. Any kind of addiction destroys relationships and careers, and years of hard work can be ruined in very short order.
If you or someone you know is dealing with Darvocet withdrawal or addiction, it is important that they get the help they need as soon as possible. Their best bet for treatment is at a long-term inpatient drug treatment facility, where professional and medically trained staff can ensure that the individual is safely detoxed from the drug. Once this is complete and the individual has overcome the physical side of Darvocet addiction, they can begin to address the psychological issues that are at the root of their problem. This will ensure a lasting recovery, as the individual will be able to get through life without the use of drugs. Get the help you need through Darvocet withdrawal today before it is too late.