Dextropropoxyphene
Aliases: Darvon, Capadex, Darvocet, Di-gesic, Co-proxamol, coproxamol
Categories
Summary
Dextropropoxyphene was withdrawn from the US and European markets in 2010 due to serious cardiac toxicity, including QT prolongation and fatal arrhythmias at therapeutic doses. The drug causes seizures and potentially fatal cardiac complications that cannot be reversed by naloxone. It has a narrow therapeutic index and high toxicity relative to dose. The metabolite norpropoxyphene accumulates with repeated use and contributes to cardiotoxicity. Contraindicated in individuals with suicidal ideation, substance abuse history, or cardiac conditions.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 30-65mg | 65-100mg | 100-200mg | 200mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 20-30 min | 30-60 min | 1-4 hrs | 2-4 hrs | 1-6 hrs | 60-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops within days of regular use; analgesic tolerance faster than respiratory depression tolerance
Reset
7–14 days for partial reset; full reset may take weeks — tolerance loss greatly increases overdose risk
Effects
Positive
- Pain Relief
- Physical Euphoria
- Cough Suppression
- Physical euphoria
Negative
- Respiratory Depression
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Itchiness
- Pupil Constriction
- Difficulty Urinating
Positive
- Cognitive Euphoria
- Anxiety Suppression
- Dream Potentiation
- Anxiety suppression
- Cognitive euphoria
- Euphoria
Negative
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Compulsive Redosing
Positive
- Increased music appreciation
Negative
- Decreased Libido
- Appetite Suppression
- Appetite suppression
- Double vision
- Orgasm Suppression
- Acuity Suppression
- Dehydration
- Dulled perception
- Internal hallucination