Effects of Darvocet

Darvocet^® (propoxyphene/acetaminophen) is a prescription medication approved to treat mild to moderate pain, with or without a fever. It contains two active ingredients: propoxyphene (a narcotic) and acetaminophen (a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in over-the-counter drugs).

 

Propoxyphene is classified as a mild, centrally-acting, narcotic pain reliever. "Centrally-acting" means that it works in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Propoxyphene is chemically related to methadone. The other active ingredient, acetaminophen, is commonly found in non-prescription medications such as Tylenol^®. Adding acetaminophen to propoxyphene boosts the effects of Darvocet for relieving pain and also provides fever-reducing properties.