Propoxyphene is marketed under a number of names, exam- ples include Darvon, Doloxene, and Depronal.
Regardless of its name, the key necessary ingredient is pro- poxyphene – either as the hydrochloride or napsylate, and it is important that the drug labels are read very carefully. In some video segments included in this chapter the name Doloxene is used to refer to propoxyphene.
Propoxyphene capsules have only one active ingredient (dex- tropropoxyphene napsylate).
However, the drug propoxy-
phene is often marketed in combination with other common analgesics such as paracetemol (acetaminophen) and marketed as Di-Gesic (Darvocet).
These combination products are of limited use. Taking a large amount of the associated drug can complicate the process. The ingestion of a substantial quantity of paracetemol (acetami- nophen) for example may well lead to death, but it would not be regarded as particularly peaceful.
Note: With the withdrawal of the barbiturate sleeping tablets from the medical prescribing list, Doloxene has become the most common doctor-prescribed medication used by seriously ill people to end their lives. Recently, the unique properties of Doloxene have begun to attract attention; first in the UK, then New Zealand and more recently in the US and Canada where it has now been removed from the prescribing schedule.
