| Drug Index |
| GENERIC NAME : |
| pentazocine |
| BRAND NAMES : |
| Talwin, Talwin NX (pentazocine & naloxone), Talacen (pentazocine & acetaminophen), and Talwin injectable, Talwin Lactate |
| STREET NAMES : |
| (all street names refer to a combination of pentazocine & pyribenzamine) T's & blues, T's & B's, Teddies & Bettys, tops & bottoms, tricycles & bicycles |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION : |
| Pentazocine is a potent analgesic (pain killer) and 30 mg is usually as effective an analgesic as morphine 10 mg or meperidine 75 mg to 100 mg; however, a few studies suggest the pentazocine to morphine ratio may range from 20 mg to 40 mg pentazocine to 10 mg morphine. The duration of analgesia may sometimes be less than that of morphine. Pentazocine weakly antagonizes (blocks) the analgesic effects of morphine, meperidine and other pure mu (µ) opiate agonists. Pentazocine has about 1/50 the antagonistic activity of nalorphine (Narcan). It also has sedative activity. The combination of naloxone [*see naloxone (Narcan) in the SoberMD drug index for a description of this medication] and pentazocine is formulated that way to help prevent abuse of pentazocine. |
| INDICATIONS FOR USE : |
| Pentazocine is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It can also be used as a supplement to balanced anesthesia (during surgery) and for preoperative, and postoperative analgesia. |
| ABUSE AND ADDICTIVE POTENTIAL : |
While pentazocine has been touted to be less addictive than other opiates, it does pose a risk for addiction. A symptom that is easily detected with opiate use is pinpoint pupils (miosis). Psychological dependence may occur early in use of this medication, but physical dependence and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration over several weeks or months (requiring larger or more frequent dosages of pentazocine to produce relief of pain or achieve a state of euphoria). When pentazocine is abused, the individual is seeking the euphoric effect ("high"). Street drug users report that the combination of pentazocine and pyribenzamine are abused together, it approximates the "high" that is felt with heroin. When pentazocine is used in any individual for weeks consecutively, dependence is likely. As with all opiates, individuals with a history of drug addiction or alcoholism are at much higher risk for addiction to pentazocine when used beyond the short term management of pain. Abrupt discontinuation of pentazocine after prolonged use can cause a classic opiate withdrawal syndrome which may include:
Withdrawal of pentazocine is best handled by a physician that is skilled at assisting patients with opiate detoxification. Medications may be necessary to help control symptoms of withdrawal. |
| OVERDOSAGE : |
| Acute overdose of pentazocine can cause respiratory depression, extreme drowsiness or prolonged sleeping, stupor, hypertension (elevated blood pressure) and tachycardia (abnormally rapid heart beat). When pentazocine is used in combination with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, the drugs potentiate (increase the effect of each drug) one another and can greatly enhance the risk for overdose. Because of the dangers associated with overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought. |
| CAUTIONS : |
| Physical dependence and tolerance are possible with chronic pentazocine therapy. Caution is advised when prescribing this medication to anyone with a history of drug addiction, alcoholism or suicide attempts. Because the drug is metabolized in the liver and eliminated via the kidneys, caution is advised when prescribing this medication to individuals with impaired liver or kidney function.When pentazocine is used in combination with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, the two drugs potentiate one another and can greatly enhance the risk for overdose. There may be serious problems also with use of this medication an individual with a closed head injury. It can elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure and mask symptoms of closed head injury that could require immediate medical measures. The administration of pentazocine may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course in patients with acute abdominal conditions. |
| SIDE EFFECTS : |
| The most commonly occurring reactions are: nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, vomiting, euphoria. Less frequent reactions inclukde: flushed skin, dermatitis including pruritus(itching). Infrequently occurring reactions are: respiratory depression, hypertension, hallucinations, headache, confusion, disturbed dreams, insomnia, syncope, visual blurring and focusing difficulty, depression, irritability, constipation, dry mouth, urinary retention |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION : |
*This is a condensed description of pentazocine. For more details check with your physician, pharmacist, or resources such as The Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp For an article on pentazocine addiction see: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1937095 |
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