Darvon Overdose

Propoxyphene is the generic name for Darvon and Darvon-N, an opioid-based prescription drug most often prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, it's not without its faults: there are a number of possible side effects when taking this drug including depression or anxiety, lightheadedness and dizziness, extreme drowsiness, nausea and more. The worst possibility when you take Darvon, of course, is incurring a Darvon overdose.

What are the Signs of a Darvon Overdose?

Overdosing on Darvon is a serious problem. At its worst, it can be fatal or leave its victim in a coma. However, you can often tell if you've taken too much of the drug by noticing a few telltale symptoms. These include:

Significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure
Difficulty breathing or being able to take only shallow breaths
Intense headache
Overwhelming drowsiness

If you are with someone who is taking Darvon and they go into seizures or are unconscious and not responding, then it's likely that they have overdosed on the drug.

What Do I Do in the Event of a Darvon Overdose?

If you fear that you have taken too much Darvon and are on the brink of an overdose but aren't sure, then call the National Poison Control Center toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. If you feel quite sure that you are experiencing a Darvon overdose, then call 911 immediately. If you are with someone who has overdosed on Darvon, check their heartbeat and breathing. If they have stopped breathing, begin CPR and call 911 right away.

How is a Darvon Overdose Treated?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to treat yourself or anyone else for a Darvon overdose. It is imperative that you call the paramedics immediately. Once they arrive, you can expect one of a number of different treatments depending upon the severity of the overdose. The first order of business is to stop the drug from affecting your body. It may be necessary for the paramedics to administer a dose of naloxone to immediately kick the Darvon out of your system. Otherwise-and sometimes in addition to naloxone-a gastric lavage (or getting your stomach pumped) is a likely event as well as a dose of charcoal or laxative to get the drug out of your system completely. You will also be hooked up to monitors to make sure that your blood pressure and heart rate are normal.

How Do I Avoid a Darvon Overdose?

To avoid a Darvon overdose, you must take precautions early on. To begin with, advising your doctor of all the medications that you are currently taking, including vitamins and supplements, is a must. Even anti-depressants can increase the potency of Darvon and cause an inadvertent overdose. Also, don't take additional narcotic pain relievers while you are taking Darvon and avoid alcohol, which can also intensify the drug's effect and impair your driving as well as your ability to think clearly. Conscious and unconscious blackouts are common with this combination.

Of course, the best way to avoid a Darvon overdose is to detox off of the drug completely. Meditox can help you do that with Suboxone, a drug that blocks withdrawal symptoms while allowing you to regain your mental clarity and control over your life.

Avoid a Darvon Overdose Through Darvon Addiction Treatment at Meditox

Only doctors who are certified to prescribe Suboxone can treat you for drug addiction on an outpatient basis. At Meditox, every one of our doctors specializes in substance abuse and can help you create a treatment plan that is personalized to fit your needs and your individual circumstance. If you would like to avoid the possibility of a Darvon overdose, contact Meditox today and make an appointment to begin your Suboxone treatment.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration: Speech to American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence

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August 11, 2006

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