Reports of Propoxyphene Dependence

Abstract

To the Editor:— In a case report by Salguero et al ( 210 :135, 1969) of propoxyphene dependence, the following statement is made: Almost no data that propoxyphene hydrochloride can produce drug dependence in man are available. It is true that case reports are scanty. I should like to add one reference to those supplied by the authors. Wolfe et al reported a case of propoxyphene addiction and withdrawal syndrome ( Ann Intern Med 70 :773, 1969) with an estimated daily intake of 2,300 mg. The patient was maintained in the hospital on a regimen of 1,300 mg daily. Abrupt discontinuance produced psychic and physical withdrawal syndrome. It would appear that propoxyphene dependence is more frequent than published reports would indicate.