Is Propoxyphene Associated With Accidental Overdoses?

Yes. Federal drug regulators in 2009 strengthened the warning labels on the medication because of the frequency of accidental overdoses linked to propoxyphene-containing drugs. The warning says, "Propoxyphene in high doses, taken by itself or in combination with other drugs, has been associated with drug-related deaths." The FDA said propoxyphene has a narrow margin of safety between the recommended dose and a harmful and even fatal dose. It required manufacturers to include a medication guide emphasizing that patients should use the drug exactly as directed.

The reason Darvon and Darvocet were recalled from the market in November of 2010 was because of the concern of overdose. The drug was found to interfere with the heart's electrical activity and in some cases, patients suffered from sudden cardiac arrest. Reports published the results that Darvon and Darvocet killed 1,000 to 2,000 Americans over a five year period. When it comes to propoxyphene, the risks outweigh the benefits, and the drug was consequently removed from the market. If you are suffering from an overdose, you may display symptoms of hearing loss, weak pulse, trouble breathing and swallowing, seizures, nausea, and possibly coma.

You should go to the emergency room immediately where they will possibly give you IV fluid, insert a tube through the mouth or nose to wash out the drug, and other medicines to block the effect of the drug on the nervous system and heart. If you seek the help of a medical professional as soon as possible and they give you the proper treatment, you could recover within one to two days of overdosing. Propoxyphene is known to be dangerous and cause life-threatening symptoms, it has been recalled and should not be ingested under any circumstances. Don't risk your safety by thinking that the short-term benefits of propoxyphene can help you.