Darvon might soon be banned permanently. The FDA is considering completely removing this harmful and possibly useless drug from the market.
This is not an obscure medication but one of the top 25 most commonly prescribed medications.
The popularity of this drug remains a mystery since there is no evidence that Darvon has any health benefits at all.
Darvon Effects
Darvon is used to fight mild to moderate pain. Surveys of patients in the hospital setting indicate that Darvon has the following symptoms:
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Rashes
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Yellowing of the skin
Some drugs like carbamazepine and antidepressants can actually have very severe side effects.
Antidepressants, combined with Darvon, can have severe psychological effects. Combined with carbamazepine, those taking Darvon can end up in a coma.
More serious concerns
Patients on Darvon have been reported to experience severe depression, suicidal tendencies and addiction (prescription addiction).
There have also been over 300 deaths in 2007 involving Darvon overdose. The risk of accidental death is much higher when a patient is using alcohol or sedatives.
Drug dependence
Those taking Darvon are more likely to experience drug dependence if they take large dosages of Darvon over a long period of time.
These dependences can be both psychological and physical. Those addicted to Darvon might have to enter into a drug rehabilitation program.
Overdose
Patients who overdose will appear very sleepy, comatose or even convulsing. The patient will often have difficulty breathing and the pupils will be dilated.
Overtime, blood pressure can plummet for individuals who are overdosing. Those who are or know someone who is overdosing on Darvon are recommended to call poison control immediately.
An overdose is a medical emergency and the patient will need naloxone and ventilation. Though the one overdosing might seem very sleepy, do not give him or her caffeine. Caffeine can induce convulsions or can make the convulsions worse.
Why this drug is soon to be banned?
If the harmful side effects weren’t enough, there is little evidence that Darvon even helps relieve pain.
Patients report mild or no pain relief at all. What little pain relief Darvon might provide is possibly a placebo effect.
According to the FDA, a medicine that provides little or no benefit and enormously bad side effects should not exist.
Since there are other pain medications that are more effective and have fewer side effects, there is no reason why you or your family should be taking Darvon.
Other ways to relieve pain
There are several ways to relieve pain that do not require medication at all. Pain is usually alleviated by applying heat or cold to the painful area. Sometimes, providing pressure can also help. Meditation and relaxation can help relieve pressure.
Laughter and entertainment can take your mind off the pain. Recent studies have also shown that animals and plants can help with pain relief. Many of these methods work because pain really comes from the mind, not the body.
