ARTICLE SUMMARY: In this article, we review risks and side effects of withdrawal from Darvon. We’ll explain what to expect and we’ll talk about the safest way to detox.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Withdrawal Defined
- Common Symptoms
- Side Effects
- Duration
- The Withdrawal Timeline
- What Factors Affect the Duration?
- Cold Turkey
- How to Stop Taking Darvon Safely
- Benefits of Medical Detox
- Detox Protocols
- I Need More Help
What is Darvon Withdrawal?
Before we go into details about what to expect during the period of detoxification, it is very important that you know the meaning of the term “drug withdrawal”.
Withdrawal symptoms occur when a drug dependent or drug addicted person misses a dose of their drug of choice, or drastically decreases their dose.
The actual removal of Darvon from your system causes a certain kind of opposite effect. The main ingredient in Darvon, propoxyphene, has depressant effects on the brain. To counter these effects, the brain has to “speed up” certain functions in order to continue working.
Long term exposure to this medication then causes the brain to adapt to a stimulated chemical environment. Take away the Darvon, and you get a period of time during which symptoms of “speeding up” take time to resolve and come back into balance.
Propoxyphene Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical withdrawal symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps
- Body and muscle aches
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Shivering or trembling
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Yawning
Psychological withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Convulsions
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Suicidal ideation
Darvon Withdrawal Side Effects
In most cases, propoxyphene withdrawal symptoms can be successfully managed. However, the detoxification process can be long and painful. For those with health problems, untreated and unmonitored withdrawal can lead to medical complications. Darvon withdrawal without medical attention can be risky due to the possibility of experiencing:
- Dehydration
- Elevated blood pressure
- Nausea
- Rapid heart-rate
The continuous loss of fluids and electrolytes can further cause abnormal heart rate, which can be the cause of a heart attack. How can you mitigate these risks?
A medically supervised propoxyphene withdrawal in a controlled environment can make the withdrawal much safer and more comfortable. Moreover, outcomes show that there is a higher chance of success when undergoing a professionally monitored detoxification procedure. And a medical detox will make the process much less painful; the use of tapering and medications can minimize the intensity of symptoms.
How Long Do Darvon Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The detox period varies depending on the way this drug was used, how long you’ve used Darvon, whether or not you’ve abused this medication, as well as your overall health condition.
The most severe withdrawal symptoms occur somewhere between the 3rd and the 5th day after discontinuation. Symptoms peak around 72 hours after quitting and then tend to resolve within 7-10 days.
In order to be safe, seek immediate professional help from trained detox professionals any time you want to quit Darvon and have become dependent on the drug. Professionals will provide medical and psychological support, and can truly help you get off Darvon for good.
The Darvon Propoxyphene Withdrawal Timeline
Day 1. In the case you used small amounts of Darvon over a long period of time, then it is unlikely that you will notice any major withdrawal symptoms in the first 24 hours. However, this is not the case with heavy users. Chronic users will begin to notice withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours, and may also start to feel the psychological symptoms much sooner. The overall feeling that marks the first days is “something’s not quite right” referring to the state of confusion your system perceives due to the absence of propoxyphene.
Day 2. The second day without Darvon feels like coming down with a cold. Runny nose and yawning are the typical symptoms at this period. Symptoms are generally not considered uncomfortable, so they are rarely even noted, but still fall into the category of withdrawals. When you reach the second day of Darvon detox you’ll begin to feel cold and chilly. You’ll get the notion that you can’t get comfortable in your own skin. The end of day two is marked with some troubles sleeping also.
Days 3-5. This is the period during which propoxyphene withdrawal symptoms peak. These few days are usually the most uncomfortable in the Darvon withdrawal timeline. The symptoms of the third day tend to get worse and hit a peak. Along with the tiredness and insomnia come hot and cold flushes, restless legs syndrome, diarrhea, and stomach pains. Headaches and migraines can also be present, and a complete loss of appetite has been reported.
Day 6+. When you reach day six, the acute withdrawals should begin to subside. The feelings of being “uncomfortable in your own skin” may still present from time to time and you will likely suffer from sleep disturbances, as well. However, this period is mainly characterized by strong cravings and anhedonia, which is a state of not being able to find pleasure in things that you used to enjoy.
This is also the period during which many people feel as if everything is over and therefore the relapse rates are usually high. With this stage of withdrawal you need to try and keep your mind occupied, even if that seems impossible. You also need to make sure you eat well, drink a lot of fluids and keep active.
Individual Withdrawal Factors
Coming off Darvon is a unique and individual experience for every person. These are the key factors which determine whether your Darvon withdrawal experience will be short, or long lasting:
Factor #1: Addiction Factors
Once you become addicted to Darvon, expect to experience ongoing drug cravings during the withdrawal stage. If you were a heavy user, withdrawal effects can persist long after the detox stage ends.
Factor #2: Detox Method Used
There are three ways to undergo Darvon detox:
Cold turkey (stopping Darvon all at once). This is the most drastic approach and causes the longest and most uncomfortable symptoms.
Tapering or weaning (a slow reduction in doses). Gradual tapering, or weaning off Darvon can help reduce withdrawal severity, but the duration is longer.
Medication therapies. According to addiction professionals, this is considered to be the best approach for those coming off a chronic addiction to Darvon. These medications actually work by mimicking Darvon’s effect. As a result, withdrawal durations are shorter and less uncomfortable.
Factor #3: Length and Frequency of Drug Use
Length and frequency of drug use have the biggest influence on how long the withdrawal symptoms will last. Chronic use of Darvon can cause structural and functional changes in the brain. So, the length of the period you used Darvon will dictate the entire course of withdrawal.
Factor #4: Physical and Psychological Make-Up
The way your metabolism works, your genetic predispositions and your mental health are very important determinants in the way you will respond to the entire withdrawal journey. Chronic Darvon use damages your entire physical and psychological health status. People with pre-existing medical and/or psychological problem will likely experience a bigger struggle with the withdrawal symptoms.
Factor #5: Tolerance Levels
The level to which your brain tolerates Darvon also a big influence on the duration of withdrawal. In general, the higher the tolerance levels, the longer the opiate withdrawal duration period. People coming off long term addiction to Darvon can actually experience withdrawal effects for years after they’ve quit their medication.
Cold Turkey Off Darvon
Stopping a medication suddenly and on your own is not only against many doctors’ recommendations, but it can be dangerous as well. You may succeed in going a few days without Darvon but the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely harsh and too much to handle. The end result of this decision can be relapse…or even fatal consequences.
After a sudden Darvon discontinuation, you may also be risking your life. The reason for this is a drop in your level of opiate tolerance in comparison with what it was before. This exposes you to the risk of overdose, in the case you take your previous doses after detox.
Cold turkey is NOT a recommended alternative for quitting Darvon. The strong and intensively unpleasant withdrawal symptoms have a severe influence on your mind and body. If you are considering going cold turkey off Darvon, you should know that you increase your chances for going through extremely unpleasant withdrawal, as well as relapsing.
How To Stop Taking Darvon Safely?
The best way to quit a medication you used for a longer period is to look for professional help first.
It is best to consult your doctor when you feel like you want to stop taking a medicine like Darvon. Your physician can guide you through a taper and recommend treatment, if necessary.
Enrolling in an addiction treatment program is definitely considered the safest way of quitting Darvon for those who’ve become mentally hooked on the drug. Treating a problem with Darvon is consists of 4 steps:
- Undergoing a medically assisted and monitored detox to free your body from the medication.
- Using opiate replacement therapy that includes medications such as buprenorphine or methadone that help trick your body into thinking that is still has Darvon in your system.
- Professional treatment with a therapist specializing in addiction.
- Opiate addiction support groups that you can join to meet and interact with people who have gone through the same struggles as you.
Benefits of Medical Detox
The best way to quit an opiate drug is by undergoing a medically supervised detox in a healthy and drug-free environment. But you’ve probably heard this already.
So why the repetition?
Well, many people don’t quite understand the importance of quitting a drug under professional guidance. Here are some of the benefits from quitting Darvon under doctor’s guidance.
- Accredited detox and treatment facilities are dedicated to following all medical and legal protocols to ensure people are comfortable and well cared for.
- Doctors have years of experience and knowledge of various interventions.
- Medical professionals have established safety protocols.
- Medications are given to ease the intensity of the pain and discomfort.
- Psychological support is provided to help people learn ways to deal with triggers and cravings.
- Staff at detox clinics follows people’s health condition throughout the entire process.
Detox Protocols
Undergoing detox at a rehab facility is important because it provides you with a safety net. Medically assisted withdrawal means you’ll receive immediate treatment, and have access to interventions during your stay at the detox facility. Besides this, you’ll be provided with other resources that improve your level of comfort during detox and assist you in reaching a stable state more quickly.
Darvon detox involves three steps:
STEP 1. Evaluation
Before you begin the actual elimination of Darvon from your system, the staff at the detox facility will first evaluate you, your health status, and your medical needs. The detoxification process is impacted by many variables such as: body chemistry, how long you used Darvon, and how much Darvon you were taking on a daily basis.
Medical staff at detox clinics are experienced, kind, and understanding. They will listen to you and understand your situation. During the evaluation, you will go through the following tests and screenings:
- Blood test
- Co-occurring condition screen
- Medical health assessment
- Psychological assessment
- Risk assessment
The initial evaluation is very important. The information gathered during this evaluation will help your doctor create your recovery plan.
STEP 2. Acute Detoxification
Detox can be defined as the body’s natural process of removing toxins from the system. The ultimate goal of Darvon detox is to stabilize your physical condition and rid your body of psychoactive drugs. Detox is challenging, especially if you have been abusing it for a long period of time. Powerful cravings and discomforting withdrawal symptoms may make Darvon detox severe. The whole process of withdrawal is even harder without the help of an addiction treatment professional. Your treatment team will work together to help you deal with all the withdrawal symptoms.
STEP 3. Further Treatment
Detox is not the only step you need to take. Many people fail to quit for good, even if they successfully finish detox. Addiction is a brain disease which requires longer term treatment. Once you are stabilized, you’ll need to proceed to further treatment. Your transition into a program will teach you how to focus on developing recovery skills and regain a life away from abusing Darvon or any other drug.
I Need More Help
The concept of walking away from unhealthy habits is familiar to many people. But if only things were that easy. It seems like many of those who face addiction problems are resistant to change. Why is this so?
It’s because the disease of addiction happens in the brain. Quitting a drug of abuse is not only a matter of decision, but a complex combination of biological and psychological processes. And there is also some truth to the fact that humans are prone to remain in their comfort zone, no matter how uncomfortable reality appears to be.
We know that your desire to change your negative habits is difficult. The definition of change revolves around two terms: “make something different” and “become different”. In order to become healthier, you need to do something about your addiction. What you probably want to know regarding the direction of change is:
What will it take for withdrawal journey to be less painful?
The truth about quitting Darvon is that your willingness to do it is not enough. In order to make real success, you need the hand of trained professionals to guide you throughout this process. If change represents replacing one habit for another, or replacing one thought for another, you need to leave the belief: “I can do it myself” and accept the possibility of treatment.
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Your Questions
Do you still have questions about Darvon withdrawal? Are you looking to find out more about Darvon addiction treatment options? The team at Addiction Blog would be glad to answer your questions.
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Reference Sources: NIH: Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction
Drug Abuse: Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale
NCBI: Pharmacologic treatments for opioid dependence: detoxification and maintenance options
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