Darvocet

I've taken this for twenty years, but it used to be only once or twice a month, when the pain was so bad I just couldn't take it anymore and I'd give the night up to watching tv and trying to keep from doing anything at all.  It took the edge off.  Then a few weeks ago, my doctor said to go ahead and try being more active (building up gradually) and take the Darvocet when I need to - even a couple of times a day for a few days if I'm in a lot of pain, as an interim measure.  This really goes against my grain, because I hate feeling dopey, especially in the daytime.  But it does still dull the pain.  I have taken probably a dozen since that time, and I am walking further and not being quite as cautious around the house, which is good.  This doctor is aware of my elevated liver enzymes, and I trust him, but I still kind of worry about it.  I haven't read this as a rx on anyone else's posts here - any opinions, good or bad experiences?

 

Hi Debbie!

We don't always talk about the medications we take unless someone brings up the topic. But I'm sure glad you brought up this subject. If you have a question you can bet there are dozens of others out there who want to know too.

For those who aren't familiar with Darvocet it's in the narcotic class of pain medications used for mild to moderate pain. Here's the description from drugs.com...

Darvocet contains a combination of propoxyphene and acetaminophen. Propoxyphene is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever and a fever reducer that increases the effects of propoxyphene. Darvocet is used to relieve mild to moderate pain with or without fever. Darvocet may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

If you talk to doctors and patients you will find the full range of opinions on narcotic pain reliever and fibro. Some feel that since the opioid receptors have problems that opioid pain medications won't work. Yet I've taken them for years and they are the only thing that take the edge off and give me some quality of life. Then there are the doctors who feel everyone needs pills and that's also not true.

Here's my take on narcotic/opioid pain meds...and it's just my personal opinion, OK? I you work very closely with your doctor or pain management specialist and you choose to take this type of medication then do it and don't worry. Sure, keep aware of how you react and do be very cautious. But most, if not all, doctors who prescribe them on a continuing basis have you come in at least once a month to check up and get your prescription for the following month. Do be very honest with your doctor!! I can't stress this enough. One thing some folks have found out the hard way is to not tell anyone who doesn't have a need to know that you are taking them or that they are in your home. It's amazing how often a trusted friend or family member has stolen someone pain medication.

And what about the feelings that go with taking these meds? Many people feel ashamed that they have to resort to taking them. They feel like others think they are an 'addict'. They sometimes feel as if they are a failure and gave in. All of this is rubbish! We all know that but it's still a hard fight mentally. Some times I get so angry at those bottles of pills that I want to pitch them in the trash, but then I think about what I feel like at this time of night or in the morning and I rethink my decision...lol If someone you know has MS or ALS or Alzheimers, would you fault them for taking medications that improve their quality of life? Of course we wouldn't. So why should we feel bad about taking pain medications. Don't worry about what others think...worry about your life and how you choose to live it. If taking these pills each day gives you a life back then IMHO go for it! The pain relievers on the market today were developed and tested over decades and are quite safe...BUT, don't ever let your guard down.

Addiction vs Dependence...now there's a topic we bring up once in a while. Addiction is the misuse of prescription drugs for the feeling you get and not for the purpose of the medication. It's taking more than you are prescribed and abusing your body with them. Dependence is your body being used to having this in it's system. If you put it in on a daily basis then withdrawing it suddenly will be very unpleasant. Also over time your body tends to need increasing amounts of the medication to get the same results. I read statistics on the Arthritis Foundation website about how often chronic pain sufferers become addicted to pain medications. The number shocked me..it's less that 1/2 of 1%. Yep, less than one half of one percent. There's something about the chronic pain that 'uses up' the medications and you don't get addicted. Yes, there are a few people who do but it's rare.

OK, I've babbled enough and probably went on about more than you asked but take what you want and I hope something I've said helps you...
Chutz