Proxyphene - Drug Facts:

Propoxyphene is more widely known as Darvon.  It was primarily used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain.  Propoxyphene is an opioid pain reliever.  The drug was introduced in 1957.  It is not classified as narcotic.  Propoxyphene was used for years, however, on the 19th of November 2010, the manufacturers of Darvon agreed to remove the drug from the market.  At the time, public media advised households containing Darvon (or any of its generic versions) to immediately destroy the drug.  The notice came from the FDA (Food Drug Administration).  Another widely prescribed form of the drug was Darvocet.  Darvocet consisted of Proxyphene combined with acetaminophen.
Description & Overview:
- Chemical Compound
- C 22 H 29 NO 2

Other Names – Brands:
- Algafan
- Antalvic
- Deprancol
- Depromic
- Dolocap
- Doloxen
- Doloxene
- Darvon
- Darvon-N
- Dolene
- Darvocet
- Erantin
- Femadol
- Harmar
- Kesso-Gesic
- Propacet
- Prophene 65
- Propxychel

Availability:
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Liquid

Propoxyphene is Chemically Unrelated to:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone

Used Illegally:
- Downers

Breakdown of Illegal Users:
-Average Age of First Drug Use  14+ Years Old

Medically Used to Treat:
- Pain Relief
- Analgesic
- Used to Treat Mild to Severe Pain
Used: Hydrochloride, Napsylate Salts

Street Names for Proxyphene:
- Pinks
- Footballs
- Pink Footballs
- Yellow Footballs
- 65’s
- Pain Killer
- Dan’s
- D’s
- Dance

How Proxyphene Affects the Brain:
- Increases the Activity of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
- GABA is a Neurotransmitter in the Brain
- Neurotransmitters are Chemicals Made in the Brain
- Neurotransmitters then are Released by Nerves
- These Nerves Attach to other Nerves
- Increased GABA in the Brain
- Produces Drowsiness
- Facilitates, Maintains Sleep

Short-Term Effects of Using Proxyphene:
- Feeling Dizzy
- Feeling Drowsy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach Pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Blurred Vision
- Mild Skin Rash

Long-Term Effects of Using Proxyphene:
- Addiction
- Fatal Overdoses
- Death
- Shallow Breathing
- Light Headed
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Hallucination
- Change in Behavior
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Seizure
- Convulsions
- Swelling of: Face, Lips, Tongue, Throat
- Abnormal Heart Rhythms
- Slow Heartbeat
- Toxicity to the Heart
- Jaundice
- Yellowing of the Skin
- Yellowing of the Eyes