Darvocet vs vicodin

Both Darvocet and Vicodin are narcotic painkillers, prescribed and used to treat mild to moderate pains. Darvocet contains propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen and it belongs to Schedule IV controlled group of substances. On the other hand, Vicodin contains hydrocodone bitartarate and acetaminophen and as such it is classified as Schedule III control substance. This means that there are higher chances that a person would abuse Vicodin than Darvocet, since it is easier to get.

Darvocet Adverse Effects

Usage of Darvocet can provoke headaches, abdominal pains and mild changes of the vision. There is also the possibility to experience nausea, vomiting, weakness or even constipation after using this medication. Patients prescribed with this drug have also reported mild feelings of drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness caused by Darvocet.

Apart from these milder side effects, Darvocet may be responsible for more serious health problems. These adverse reactions could include shallow breathing, feeling of unconsciousness and slow heartbeats. Some patients have experienced confusion and abnormal behavior, while others had severe problems with hallucinations due to the use of this drug. Darvocet is also associated with liver and kidney damage, convulsions and chest pains. Certain people may also suffer from allergic reaction to this painkiller, provoking hives, itching and swelling of the mouth and other symptoms of serious allergic reaction to the drug.

Because of potentially serious health problems caused by Darvocet, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has withdrawn this drug from the market. The biggest reason for concern was irregular heartbeat provoked by Darvocet, which could become serious problem even if the patients used usual therapeutic doses of medication. Exact cause of this problem is actually one of the ingredients in this medication – propoxyphene, which is proven to have effects on human heart and may cause irregularity in heart’s rhythm.

Since the FDA disapproved the use of Darvocet it is advisable to avoid using this drug to treat any type of pains. Instead, opt for safer painkiller medications.

Side Effects of Vicodin

Vicodin can also affect human health and provoke unwanted effects, as many other medications do. However, if we try to compare side effects of Darvocet and Vicodin, we notice that Vicodin causes less serious problems. Many of side effects caused by Vicodin are mild and people usually tolerate this drug very well.

Some patients have reported nausea, vomiting, constipation and feelings of drowsiness, lightheadedness and dizziness. Make sure to get informed about the dosage and potential withdrawal problems related to the use of Vicodin, prior to the start of therapy. For that information consult your doctor.