What is Darvocet?

Darvocet was a prescription pain medication that contained two active ingredients:

  • Propoxyphene – a narcotic (opioid) pain reliever

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer

It was commonly prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain such as headaches, muscle aches, dental pain, or pain after surgery.

Darvocet worked by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain, while acetaminophen helped lower fever and enhance the pain-relief effect.

Important Information

Propoxyphene can be habit-forming. Keep Darvocet in a safe place where others will not be able to access it. Do not take an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), furazolidone (Furoxone), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate), do not take Darvocet.

What to know before taking Darvocet?

Before taking Darvocet (back when it was prescribed), patients needed to tell their doctor if they had:

  • Heart disease or arrhythmias (Darvocet increased the risk of abnormal heart rhythms).

  • Liver or kidney disease, since the acetaminophen could cause damage at high doses.

  • Breathing problems such as asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea.

  • History of drug or alcohol abuse, as Darvocet could be addictive.

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding – Darvocet could harm an unborn baby and pass into breast milk.

How to take Darvocet?

  • Take Darvocet exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

  • Usually prescribed for mild to moderate pain, 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours (maximum daily dose was strictly limited due to acetaminophen content).

  • It could be taken with or without food, but food sometimes reduced stomach upset.

  • Patients were warned not to increase the dose without medical approval.

  • If taken long-term, the doctor would monitor liver health and heart rhythm.

What to avoid while using Darvocet?

  • Alcohol – increases risk of liver damage (from acetaminophen) and dangerous drowsiness.

  • Driving or operating machinery – Darvocet caused dizziness and impaired thinking.

  • Other acetaminophen-containing medicines – risk of overdose and severe liver injury.

  • Sudden stopping after prolonged use – could cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, insomnia, or anxiety.

What drugs can interact with Darvocet?

Darvocet had many dangerous drug interactions, including:

  • Alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) – greatly increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose.

  • Other acetaminophen-containing medicines (Tylenol, cold/flu remedies) – increased risk of liver damage.

  • Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants) – could interact with propoxyphene and cause heart or nervous system issues.

  • Antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine) – higher risk of irregular heart rhythms.

  • Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin) – could alter how the body metabolized Darvocet.