Side Effects of Darvocet

Darvocet, a drug containing acetaminophen and propoxyphene, has been commonly prescribed as a pain reliever. Acetaminophen is a fever reducer and pain reliever, and propoxyphene is also a pain reliever called an opioid analgesic - related to opium and codeine and chemically like methadone. Darvocet is a combination of both drugs because acetaminophen increases propoxyphene's effects. Those taking Darvocet under 18 years or more than 60 years old have been more likely to experience side effects from this medication.

Side effects

Less serious side effects from Darvocet have included dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, drowsiness, decreased appetite, and constipation. Itching, muscle twitching, sweating could also be experienced by some taking the medication. Some taking the drug might also have had spasm of the ureter - this is the duct carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder - and this could cause difficulty urinating. A decreased sex drive or decreased urination might also have occurred with some users taking Darvocet.

Serious side effects

Users could have experienced effects that include yellowing of the skin or eyes, bruising, bleeding, cold or clammy skin, slow or weak breathing, or uncommon fatigue. Unconsciousness, severe weakness or dizziness, seizures might also have occurred. Medical attention should be sought if there are serious side effects from taking this drug.

Allergy to drug

An allergic reaction could have occurred from taking this medication. Symptoms might have included swelling of the tongue, lips, or face, difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, or hives.

Reactions with alcohol

Taking this medication with alcohol has been known to increase the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness. Also, acetaminophen has sometimes increased the user's risk of having liver problems.

Reactions with other drugs

Taking other drugs and Darvocet has amplified the dizziness and drowsiness side effects. Propoxyphene has reduced intestinal muscle activity, and when mixed with anticholinergic activity medication, constipation has occurred.

When taken with drugs like anxiety medication, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, antihistamines, other pain relievers, and sedatives for insomnia, sedation leading to unconsciousness or death has resulted.

If taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the 14 days prior to taking Darvocet, dangerous side effects might have occurred. Bleeding might have resulted if an oral anticoagulant, like warfarin (Coumadin), was taken. Also, if the drug is taken with carbamazepine (Tegretol), toxicity might have occurred.

Other effects

Propoxyphene, one of the drugs in Darvocet, can be habit forming. If the drug was taken for a long period or at high doses, users might have had both psychological and/or physical withdrawal symptoms.