Drug Testing for Propoxyphene (PPX)
If you suspect a loved one is abusing Propoxyphene, you can get help. You can confirm abuse of opiate drugs such as propoxyphene by drug testing. If you suspect that a friend or loved one is abusing cocaine, get involved to help save their life. uVera Diagnostics has drug test kits that test for cocaine. Click here to see the drug testing kits for Propoxyphene (PPX) or find the drug testing product that is right for you and order it right online.
Propoxyphene is a synthetic opiate and a narcotic pain reliever originally used to treat moderate to severe pain. Its most popular prescription forms are called Darvon and Darvocet. In November of 2010 the FDA recommended that the drug be discontinued due to the “risk of cardiac toxicity.” The FDA found that the drug changes the electrical activity of the heart significantly and concluded that the risks outweighed the pain relief benefits of the drug. This, however, has not stopped the illegal abuse of Propoxyphene.
There are many street names for propoxyphene.
- Street names for Darvon include: Pink footballs, yellow footballs, 65’s and N’s.
- Street names for Darvocet include: D, Dillies and yellow footballs.
What does it look like and how is it taken?
The Propoxyphenes Darvon and Darvocet come in tablet, pill and liquid form and are taken orally. Darvon and Darvocet pills can be pink or red and gray capsules. They are usually pink, yellow, or orange in tablet form and oval shaped.
Illegal or Legal?
The FDA removed Propoxyphene (PPX) from US shelves in 2010 making it illegal to purchase.
Why is Propoxyphene taken?
Forms of Propoxyphene, including Darvon and Darvocet, are abused because of the euphoric “high” the drug creates. Propoxyphene provides temporary physical and emotional pain relief when abused, and abusers are drawn to the numb feeling it creates. Propoxyphene is also very addictive.
Dangers and Side Effects
Side effects of propoxyphene include: dry mouth, constipation, vision problems, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, yellowing of the eyes and skin, restlessness and change in sleep habits. High doses can cause hallucinations and vomiting. Propoxyphene creates changes in mood and behavior and can cause depression. It can cause personality shifts and lead to confusion, anxiety, paranoia and rage.
Dangerous side effects include: cardiovascular and respiratory failure, liver disease, kidney disease and death by overdose.
How to Dispose of Propoxyphene
If you or a loved one was legally prescribed Propoxyphene before it was taken off the market, make sure you have disposed of the medication responsibly. If left in the medicine cabinet, it can be taken accidentally or stolen by someone with access to your bathroom. Prescription Drug abuse is a growing problem. For more information, read this article from the FDA.
uVera Diagnostics is a drug testing company that supplies drug test kits, including CLIA Waived and FDA Cleared drug test kits. Order Drug Test Kits online or call 1-866-242-5930.
