What Is the Difference Between Oxycodone & Darvocet?

Prescription drugs such as Oxycodone and Darvocet can be extremely effective pain relievers. They are also medications that need to be taken correctly, and carefully managed to avoid side effects such as dependence or overdose.

Opiods

• Oxycodone, commonly prescribed as OxyContin and Percodan, and Darvocet belong to a category of pain killers called opiods. The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists opiods as one of the three most commonly abused classes of drugs.

Function

• Drugs like Oxycodone and Darvocet work by attaching to proteins called opiod receptors. By doing this, they block the perception of pain.

Pain Relief

• Oxycodone is used for moderate to severe pain when relief is needed around the clock for a long period of time, according to the online drug index, Rx List, while Darvocet should be prescribed for mild to moderate pain.

Warnings: Oxycodone

• Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance, which medical dictionaries define as having a strong potential for abuse or addiction despite its legitimate medical usage. Broken, chewed or crushed Oxycodone tablets causes rapid release of the medicine, and can lead to the body's absorbing a potentially fatal dose.

Warnings: Darvocet

• According to Rx List there have been numerous cases of accidental and intentional overdose with propoxyphene (Darvocet) products either alone or in combination with other depressants, including alcohol. Darvocet should not be prescribed to patients who are suicidal or have suicidal thoughts.