[tracyrip]

I'm wondering if the regular use of pain pills (darvocet in particular) can "cause" weight gain. I've been taking about 2-3 a day for the past 6 months. And I have gained weight. Lots of it. What I'm wondering is do medications that have a 'downer' type effect also do a 'downer' effect on ones metabolism?
I have noticed that I get extremely hungry while on the pills, but I generally do not give into it. Or if I do, it isn't with junk food.
Nothing else in my life has really changed to cause the weight gain (about 20 pounds). Other than stopping the depo provera birth control shot. Could that cause weight gain...not being on any type of birth control after 5 years of being on something?
Just curious
Thanks

[(JD)]

..all I know is lots of non-prescription drugs... give junkies what we called "the munchies" I'm think it's the same with other narcotics?

[CamW]

Tracy - It is uncommon for Darvocet™ (propoxyphene and acetaminophen) to cause weight gain. If I had to guess, I'd blame the weight gain on the Depo-Provera™ (medroxyprogesterone). I have seen weight gain with this medication.

The pain for which you are taking the Darvocet may cause weight gain in an indirect way. When it hurts to move, you are less likely to do so. Therefore, when you are not as active as you were previously and have the same caloric intake, you are more likely to gain weight. The calories that are normally burned off with activity are not being burned off. This is my guess, though I am more comfortable answering psychopharmaceutical questions.

I hope that this helps. - Cam