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How should I take propoxyphene?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Never take propoxyphene in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take propoxyphene with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Do not stop using propoxyphene suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Store propoxyphene at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Propoxyphene is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since propoxyphene is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of propoxyphene can be fatal, especially if you are also drinking alcohol or taking a sedative or antidepressant.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold and clammy skin, weak pulse, shallow breathing, fainting, or breathing that stops.

What should I avoid while taking propoxyphene?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking propoxyphene. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What are the possible side effects of propoxyphene?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• seizure (convulsions); or

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects include:

• feeling dizzy or drowsy;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;

• headache, muscle pain;

• blurred vision; or

• mild skin rash.

This list is not complete and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect propoxyphene?

Do not take codeine with other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• antidepressants;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or

• seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with propoxyphene. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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