Are Propoxyphene-Containing Medications Addictive?

Yes, medications containing Propoxyphene have been found to be about half as potent as codeine and can be habit forming. Patients who have taken Darvon, Darvocet or Propoxyphene for a period of weeks or longer and then suddenly stop taking the medication may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, muscle aches, and insomnia. Other symptoms that have been associated with withdrawal have included fatigue, shakiness and skin sensations, such as restless legs syndrome. More severe symptoms include an intense preoccupation with the drug and a consuming craving.

If you have been taking a drug that has propoxyphene in it, you likely have also been increasing your dosage over time. Those who take the drug, often as a painkiller, start to be less affected by the maximum recommended amount, and start taking greater and greater dosages. This can make it harder to quit the drug and therefore it becomes more habit-forming. This is not surprising, since propoxyphene-containing medications are classified as a type of opiate. Opiates are derived from natural products in the opium poppy plant. Other types of opiates are morphine, codeine, thebaine, and papaverine. Withdrawal side effects are extremely common for opiate users and increase with the length of time the opiate was used.

If you have been taking an opiate-type drug, especially one containing propoxyphene, it would be best to consult your doctor before quitting immediately. Propoxyphene products such as Darvon and Darvocet were taken off the market in 2010, so if you are still taking these or a similar medication, you should speak to your doctor about a different medication you can transition to. Getting off of propoxyphene needs to be done carefully as you don't want to suffer serious side effects, so contact your physician to find out the best course of action.