Why does Darvocet make me shake as it takes effect?

Published October 4, 2010

Question by MightyMouse: Why does Darvocet make me shake as it takes effect?
I have Propoxyphene – N 100 w/ APAP 650 tabs (Darvocet) for “pelvic pain” caused by ovarian cysts/possible endometriosis. Dosage is one every four hours. I’ve only taken it three times. Twice in one day when a cyst ruptured in January – first one was on an empty stomach and second one was immediately after lunch – about 4 1/2 – 5 hours later. Third time was Friday night when another cyst ruptured on the way home from dinner (about 9pm). (The pain is excruciating and unmistakable – unlike any other.) Each time, I get TERRIBLE shakes/tremors/whatever you want to call them as it gets into my system. I can only compare it to end-stage Parkinson’s shakes – complete with involuntary “jerks” of 5-6″. They increase in severity as the Darv gets more into my system, but then they taper off to nothing as it takes effect – leaving me (almost) comfortably numb. (I can at least breathe again and stop crying.) I texted my doc Friday night and he didn’t seem concerned (unless he just missed that part), so I assume it can’t be too terribly uncommon. But WHY??? The only thing I can find on the ‘net about Darvocet and shakes is regarding withdrawal symptoms.

Also, about an hour after taking the second one that January day, after the shakes stopped and the med was in my system good, I ended up throwing up. (Just in case that plays in here anywhere.) I didn’t get nauseous or anything Friday (after dinner) nor with the first one in January (on an empty stomach).

Finally, I’ve had a low-grade fever (99.5-100.3) since Saturday morning – possibly before. Presumably because of the rupture, but mentioned here just in case. I know pain can elevate your temp.

I am five foot and about 96lbs if that matters any. Always kinda scares me when doc gives me same dosage and he would for someone 6’7″ and 300lbs. But in this case, if the dose was any smaller, I don’t think it would help.

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