What Is Darvocet?

Many people are curious about what Darvocet is and what it is used for. Darvocet (propoxyphene/acetaminophen) is a prescription medication approved to treat mild to moderate pain. It contains acetaminophen (commonly found in over-the-counter pain relievers) and propoxyphene napsylate (a narcotic). As a controlled substance, it has a significant potential for both psychological and physical dependence and abuse.

An Overview of Darvocet

Darvocet^® (propoxyphene/acetaminophen) is a prescription pain medication. It is licensed for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Darvocet is a narcotic and a controlled substance (see Is Darvocet a Narcotic?). It contains two different pain medications -- acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) and propoxyphene napsylate (Darvon-N^®).

(Click Darvocet Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does Darvocet Work?

Propoxyphene (one of the active ingredients in Darvocet) 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 in Darvocet is acetaminophen (commonly known as "APAP"). It is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications such as Tylenol. Adding acetaminophen to propoxyphene increases the effectiveness for relieving pain and also provides fever-reducing properties.

Abuse Potential of Darvocet

Darvocet has a significant potential for both psychological and physical dependence and abuse. In fact, it is classified as a controlled substance, meaning that there are special rules and regulations for prescribing and obtaining the medication. Because Darvocet can be a desirable drug of abuse, people often try to buy Darvocet through illegal means, such as from foreign countries or online sources that do not require a prescription.

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