Sysop: 1 revision imported

2025-11-01T14:11:34Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:11, 1 November 2025
(No difference)

en>David Hedlund: {{#set:Featured=true}}

2024-04-21T23:49:39Z

New page

{{headerpanel|{{DepressantOD|opiates}} }}
{{SummarySheet}}
{{SubstanceBox/Dextropropoxyphene}}

'''Dextropropoxyphene''' (also known as '''Propoxyphene''' and '''Darvon''') is a synthetic [[psychoactive class::opioid]] of the [[chemical class::phenylpropylamine]] chemical class. Like other substances in [[opioid| its class]], particularly [[tapentadol]] and [[tramadol]], it produces mild [[cognitive euphoria| euphoric]], [[pain relief| analgesic]], [[sedation|sedative]] and [[cough suppression| antitussive]] effects when [[Routes of administration|administered]] (typically orally, but sometimes intravenous or rectally).{{citation needed}} Notably, it is reported to produce significantly less euphoria in comparison to other opioids.{{citation needed}}

Dextropropoxyphene was first patented in 1955 and subsequently manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.{{citation needed}}

Due to its euphoric and analgesic effects, dextropropoxyphene is known to be habit forming, albeit not to the same extent as other opioids such as [[morphine]] or [[heroin]].{{citation needed}} '''Notably, dextropropoxyphene is also known to cause [[seizures]] and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia at high doses'''{{citation needed}}, which are not able to be reversed by [[naloxone]].{{citation needed}}

Today, dextropropoxyphene is rarely encountered on the streets and is sometimes obtained by prescription from a compounding pharmacy.{{citation needed}} It is strongly recommended that one research this substance's toxicity and use proper [[harm reduction practices]] if choosing to use this substance.

==Chemistry==
Dextropropoxyphene is similar in structure to [[tapentadol]]. While tapentadol has an ethyl substitution on the gamma-carbon, dextropropoxyphene instead has both benzyl and propionyl substitutions. Dextropropoxyphene also contains a benzene ring in place of the phenol ring found in tapentadol. The empirical formula of dextropropoxyphene is C22H29NO2 and has a molar mass of 339.471 grams per mole.

==Pharmacology==
[[Opioids]] produce their effects by binding to and activating the [[Opioid#Mu_.28.CE.BC.29|μ-opioid]] [[receptor]]. This occurs because opioids structurally mimic endogenous endorphins which are naturally found within the body and also work upon the μ-opioid receptor set. The way in which opioids structurally mimic these natural endorphins results in their [[physical euphoria|euphoria]], [[pain relief]] and [[anxiolytic]] effects. This is because endorphins are responsible for reducing pain, causing sleepiness, and feelings of pleasure. They can be released in response to pain, strenuous exercise, orgasm, or general excitement.

Unlike most opioids, dextropropoxyphene is also a weak [[serotonin]] [[reuptake inhibitor]] as well as a potent nicotinic [[acetylcholine]] antagonist<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Xiao, Y.)), ((Smith, R. D.)), ((Caruso, F. S.)), ((Kellar, K. J.)) | journal=Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | title=Blockade of Rat α3β4 Nicotinic Receptor Function by Methadone, Its Metabolites, and Structural Analogs | volume=299 | issue=1 | pages=366–371 | date=1 October 2001 | url=https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/299/1/366 | issn=0022-3565}}</ref>. Dextropropoxyphene has a bioavailability of about 40% and is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme. The optical isomer of dextropropoxyphene, levopropoxyphene has no analgesic activity but retains [[cough suppression |antitussive]] effects.

==Subjective effects==
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{effects/base

|{{effects/physical|
The general sensation of dextropropoxyphene can be described as one of euphoria, relaxation, anxiety suppression and pain relief.
*'''[[Effect::Pain relief]]''' - This effect is less intense than that of other opioids such as [[morphine]] and [[fentanyl]].
*'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]''' - This particular substance can be considered as less intense in its physical euphoria when compared with that of [[morphine]] or [[diacetylmorphine]] (heroin). The sensation itself can be described as extreme feelings of intense physical comfort, warmth, love and bliss.
*'''[[Effect::Itchiness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Respiratory depression]]''' - At low to moderate doses, this effect results in the sensation that the breath is slowed down mildly to moderately, but does not cause noticeable impairment. At high doses and overdoses, opioid-induced respiratory depression can result in a shortness of breath, abnormal breathing patterns, semi-consciousness, or unconsciousness. Severe overdoses can result in a coma or death without immediate medical attention.
*'''[[Effect::Constipation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Cough suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Difficulty urinating]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Nausea]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Sedation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Pupil constriction]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Decreased libido]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Appetite suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]''' - Dextropropoxyphene causes dizziness at a higher rate than other opioids.
*'''[[Effect::Orgasm suppression]]'''

}}
|{{effects/cognitive|
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' - This particular substance can be considered as less intense in its cognitive euphoria when compared with that of [[morphine]] or [[diacetylmorphine]] (heroin). The sensation itself can be described as powerful and overwhelming feeling of emotional bliss, contentment, and happiness.
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Confusion]]''' - Dextropropoxyphene may cause confusion at a higher rate than other opioids.
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''

}}
}}
===Experience reports===
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here:

*[https://erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Pharms_Propoxyphene.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: Propoxyphene]

==Toxicity and harm potential==
Dextropropoxyphene has a [[Toxicity::high toxicity]] relative to dose. As with all opioids, long-term effects can vary but can include diminished libido, apathy and memory loss. It is also [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethal]] when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[alcohol]] or [[benzodiazepines]]]] and generally has a wider range of substances which it is [[Tramadol#Dangerous interactions|dangerous to combine with]] in comparison to other opioids. Dextropropoxyphene is known to lower the seizure threshold. It should not be taken during [[Benzodiazepine#Discontinuation|benzodiazepine withdrawals]] as this can potentially cause [[seizure]]s. Dextropropoxyphene is [[Toxicity::known to cause potentially fatal heart arrhythmias]], and it is discouraged to take in very heavy doses or several days in a row.

It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug.
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
As with other [[opioids]], the chronic use of dextropropoxyphene can be considered [[Addiction potential::moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse]] and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and [[Opioids#Discontinuation|withdrawal symptoms]] may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of dextropropoxyphene [[Time to full tolerance::develops with prolonged and repeated use]]. The rate at which this occurs develops at different rates for different effects, with tolerance to the constipation-inducing effects developing particularly slowly for instance. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::3 - 7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::1 - 2 weeks]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Dextropropoxyphene presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all other [[opioids]]]], meaning that after the consumption of dextropropoxyphene all [[opioid]]s will have a reduced effect.

===Dangerous interactions===
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}
{{DangerousInteractions/Opioids}}

====[[Serotonin syndrome]] risk====
{{DangerousInteractions/SerotoninSyndrome}}

==Legal status==
*'''Germany:''' Dextropropoxyphene is controlled under BtMG Anlage II, making it illegal to manufacture, import, possess, sell, or transfer it without a license.<ref>{{Citation | title=Anlage II BtMG - Einzelnorm | url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_ii.html}}</ref>
*'''Russia:''' Dextropropoxyphene is a Schedule II controlled substance.<ref>{{Citation | title= Постановление Правительства РФ от 01.10.2012 N 1002 (ред. от 09.08.2019) | url=https://www.consultant.ru/cons/cgi/online.cgi?req=doc&base=LAW&n=331879&dst=100262&date=03.12.2019}}</ref>
*'''Switzerland''': Dextropropoxyphene is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis A. Medicinal use is permitted. Some preparations containing Dextropropoxyphene are included in Verzechnis C, while certain ones are excluded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/index.html|title=Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien|publisher=Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]|access-date=January 1, 2020|language=de}}</ref>
*'''United Kingdom:''' Dextropropoxyphene is a Class C, Schedule 2 or Schedule 5 substance depending on the dose.<ref>{{Citation | title=List of most commonly encountered drugs currently controlled under the misuse of drugs legislation | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled-drugs-list--2/list-of-most-commonly-encountered-drugs-currently-controlled-under-the-misuse-of-drugs-legislation}}</ref>
*'''United States:''' Dextropropoxyphene is a Schedule II or Schedule IV Controlled Substance depending on the dosage and other ingredients.<ref>DEA Controlled Drugs | https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/e_cs_sched.pdf</ref> Dextropropoxyphene has been withdrawn in the United States and is no longer available through prescription, although it is possible some compounding pharmacies may still carry it.

==See also==

*[[Responsible use]]
*[[Opioid]]
*[[Tramadol]]
*[[Tapentadol]]
*[[O-Desmethyltramadol]]

==External links==

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dextropropoxyphene Dextropropoxyphene (Wikipedia)]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Phenylpropylamine]]
[[Category:Opioid]]

{{#set:Featured=true}}

Dextropropoxyphene - Revision history

Sysop: 1 revision imported

en>David Hedlund: {{#set:Featured=true}}