What to expect when changing from percocet to darvon 65

I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 06, I have been taking percocet 10/325 for bone pain since then. I started out at 3x daily now I'm taking between 8-10 a day. I recently talked to my doctor about switching me to davocet because I had taken that years ago for back surgery and I stopped it with no problems. My problem with the percocet is that I have to take it everyday whether I need it for pain or not, the withdrawals are there. Instead of switching me to darvocet my doctor gave me darvon 65 today. He said it would be better to transition than davocet (I guess a little stronger). I'm worried tomorrow about starting it. I'm don't want to have the withdrawals. In the past couple of years I have tried to wean off the percocet and stop because of  either the pain or withdrawal. I feel that the percocet is running my life and I hate taking this drug. Last year I tried a pain clinic and every medicine they gave me made me sick. I'm also worried about how the Darvon will interact with Adivan I take at night. I forgot to ask that question when the doctor gave me the perscription. I just happen to run across this website and thought someone could give me advice on what I'm facing tomorrow morning.

[OnOxyfor10yrs]

Darvon does not even compare to what you were taking. you will likely have w/d but tell your doc if you do and ask for a medical taper. They should understand. Dang, you had cancer. Just either have the pharmacy give you a 3 day supply at a time or give it to a close friend, I am not a doctor so my advice may not be 100% but I KNOW Darvon does not compare to the amount of percs you were taking. Can you take time off of work for a week or more to do this? Make up a story about your cancer or whatever you need to do to do a taper so you can take time off of work. My prayers are with you.


L

[corey411]

I remember an old thread that a member named SableZen wrote explaining something about Darvon that caused it to not help with wds. Don't remember the chemistry about why but it was more than just it being a weaker drug. He pops in from time to time to say hi so maybe if you PM him it will show through his email. So sorry about the stage 4. I was diagnosed stage II and remember 1 of my chemo drugs causing severe bone pain. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. You might want to set something up with the doc with it being the weekend and all. Some can't call much in over the weekend and sometimes it's hard to get ahold of your doc. GBU, Corey

[corey411]

faith_hope_love - That question is one I've wondered about and which people try to make the connection to a lot. But there doesn't appear to be any known correlation. Specifically with propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet) for example. It's fully synthetic... yet is really weak compared to other opiates. In fact, if you take propoxyphene when in withdrawal from a true opiate derivative (for example oxycodone)... it won't even put a dent in the withdrawal symptoms at a sane dose and you won't feel any euphoria either - too much tolerance built up to oxycodone... So draw your own conclusions - but based off of measurable facts: nope, there is no known correlation between fully-synthetic/natural derivatives, potency/weakness, and withdrawal. Addiction is just addiction when looking at synthetic or natural opiates.   Copied from SableZen's post.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Corey is right on with his advice for you. I wanted to say that you are ok to use the ativan and darvocet together. No problem. The darvocet may disappoint you as oppossed to the percocet for pain relief. Sounds like the doc felt it was time to get away from the strong stuff for a short while. May be quite right. Wont be good if you wish to use a narc for pain relief and cant find one.

[gottadoit08]

Thanks to all for the advice and support. My doctor didn't suggest the change from Percocet to Darvacet. I had tried so many different pain pills that didn't work, I chose the darvocet but I didn't know how different it was. Since I had taken darvocet before I thought I could just change over with little or no w/d. That is why the darvon. The doctor said it would lessen the w/d more so than the darvocet. This is just an awful situation to be in. Take the medicine for the cancer monthly & take pain meds or stop the treatment and stop the pain meds. I can't believe there isn't something out there that is not habit forming. Do you think the darvon would work better with w/d if I wean myself down from 10 a day before I start taking them. I thought that I could do this alone but it feels so much better to have gotten up this morning to see all of the comments. Thanks so much.

[worried878]

Darvacethas a lot of tylenol compared to opiate  500 mg a pill...i dont think darvon has the tylenol ..people get into trouble trying to relieve pain with darvocet as it takes alot and tylenol toxicity needs to be addressed..be safe..have ur doctor help u...u r right to be concerned