Propoxyphene is usually prescribed at the rate of 4-6 capsules per day (400 - 600 mg) to deal with pain. Ten grams of the drug would provide around 2 to 3 weeks of pain control.
The Role of Oxazepam
Oxazepam (Serepax) is a moderately, long-acting, non-lethal sleeping tablet. Another moderately long-acting sleeping tab- let often used in combination with Propoxyphene is nitrazepam (Mogadon). These modern sleeping tablets are members of a drug class known as benzodiazepines and when taken by them- selves are not usually lethal, even if taken in large amounts. When taken in combination with Propoxyphene, oxazepam or nitrazepam reinforce the effect of a propoxyphene and a lethal combination results..
Note: Duration of action of the benzodiazepine is important and shorter acting drugs like temazepam are not a particularly satisfactory alternative.
Fig 10.2: The common sleeping tablet - oxazepam (Serapax)