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Darvocet and Burning Pain

For some reasons that are known, and others that aren't, prescription narcotics like Davocet can cause a burning pain or sensation in some users. If this occurs, the patient should speak to his physician or pharmacist to decide the best way to treat this side effect.

  1. Darvocet

    • Darvocet is a narcotic pain reliever. Its generic name is hydromorphone, and it contains acetaminophen and propoxyphene napsylate. According to the All Pharmacy Medicines website, it is "an opioid analgesic also known as a narcotic analgesic, which relieves mild to moderate pain by acting on the central nervous system."

    Statistics

    • Although its primary purpose is to relieve pain, some patients complain of a burning pain or burning sensation when taking the drug. The eHealthMe website has compiled statistics for these side effects. The site notes that .11% of Darvocet users complain of a skin burning sensation. These users are aged 40 or older. The gender makeup is 80% female and 20% male. Still other patients complain of a burning pain in other areas (like the chest and throat). Making up .32% of Darvocet users, 88% of females and 12% of males report this complaint.

    Causes of Burning

    • The cause of the skin-burning sensation is not yet known. There is usually no redness or swelling at the site of the complaint. The cause of the burning in the throat is easier to ascertain. Dr. Michael Picco, Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, attributes the chest and throat burning to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. Sometimes, acid that is supposed to live in the stomach backs up and irritates the esophagus, causing the pain.

    Treating the Pain

    • Ask your physician about the best way to treat the burning pain or sensation. Some doctors may suggest an antacid. Others may suggest discontinuing the medication.

    Other Side Effects

    • In addition to the burning pain, Darvocet may cause other symptoms. Some patients experience skin itching, constipation, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness or drowsiness. Darvocet can be habit-forming. Only the patient for whom the prescription was written should take the drug. Taking more pills than recommended, or taking them more often than recommended, should be avoided.

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