The Dark Side of Pain Relief: How Repeated Use of Pentazocine Can Lead to Physical Dependence

Pentazocine 

Pentazocine is a narcotic analgesic drug that belongs to the class of opioids.  It is used to relieve moderate to severe pain and is available in tablet and injection forms. Pentazocine is a Schedule IV drug and can lead to addiction and dependence with prolonged use. It may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. It should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. repeated use of pentazocine drugs developed psychological and physical dependence. Pentazocine is a synthetic narcotic drug. that belongs to the benzomorphan class of narcotics. Some patients may occur these side effects,  Depression, cough, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, dryness of mouth, irritability, drowsiness, difficulty in seeing, and hearing may occur. Pentazocine drugs are banned in some countries.

Opioid analgesics

Opioids are a class of drugs that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, reducing pain signals and producing feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Opioids are commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain, such as pain from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions like cancer. They can be prescribed in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, injections, and patches. Opioids are highly effective for pain relief, but they also carry the risk of addiction, dependence, and overdose. Common opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and heroin.
Narcotics are a class of drugs that are used to relieve pain, induce sleep, and produce a feeling of euphoria. Narcotics work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, reducing pain signals and producing feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Narcotics are commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe pain, such as pain from cancer or surgery, and they can be prescribed in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, injections, and patches. Examples of narcotics include morphine, codeine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and heroin.
Narcotics have a high potential for addiction, dependence, and overdose, especially when used improperly or for non-medical purposes. They can also cause a range of side effects, such as constipation, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, and in severe cases, coma and death. Because of their potential for abuse, narcotics are heavily regulated and controlled by law. Pentazocine addiction refers to a condition where a person becomes dependent on pentazocine and experiences compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences. Prolonged use of pentazocine can lead to physical and psychological dependence, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Some signs and symptoms of pentazocine addiction may include:

• Using the drug more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed
• Continually seeking refills or finding ways to obtain the drug illegally
• Becoming preoccupied with the drug and spending a significant amount of time and effort trying to obtain it
• Continuing to use the drug despite negative consequences, such as health problems, financial difficulties, or legal issues
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using the drug
• Pentazocine addiction can have serious consequences, including overdose and death. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with pentazocine addiction, it is essential to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Treatment may involve medication-assisted therapy, behavioral therapies, support groups, and other forms of counseling and support.

Pentazocine dosage

Oral dose 
Severe pain- Adult - doses are 50 mg to 100mg every 3-4 hrs. maximum dose 600 mg daily.
Children 
6 years to 12 years of age 25 mg every 3- 4 Hrs.

Injection
Moderate to severe pain
Adult 
dose - 30 mg to 60 mg by SC, IM, or IV injection is given interval of 3-4 hrs.
Children
 up to 1 year.

• 1 mg/kg  by Sc, IM, or IV 

• 500 mcg/kg intervals of 3-4 hrs.

Rectal doses

Adult

dose  50 mg suppository up to 4 times daily,
The child is not recommended.

 Contraindications of  pentazocin

• Head injury

• Narcotic dependence

• Respiratory depression

• Raised intracranial pressure

• Heart failure

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Porphyria

• Pregnancy.

Should be given with the special precaution 

• Avoid movement for 15 minutes after injection.
• Avoid alcohol,
• Avoid driving,
• Avoid handling machinery,
• Caution in cases of respiratory depression,
• Hypertension.

What is Pentazocine used for?

Pentazocine is a medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It is classified as a narcotic analgesic, belonging to the class of opioids. Pentazocine works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, reducing pain signals and producing feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

Pentazocine is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and suppositories. It is commonly used for the management of pain associated with surgery, injury, and chronic conditions such as cancer, but it may also be used to treat other types of pain, such as dental pain and pain from kidney stones.

Pentazocine is a prescription medication, and its use should be monitored by a healthcare provider to ensure its safe and effective use. Misuse or overuse of pentazocine can lead to addiction, dependence, and other serious health problems. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and avoid taking pentazocine for longer than recommended unless directed by a healthcare provider.

• Chronic pain,
• Recurrent moderately severe pain associated with surgery,
• Trauma, 
• Colic,
• Burns,
• Pre-anesthetic medication.

The most common side effects of pentazocine include: 

Pentazocine, like all medications, can cause side effects in some people. Allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these side effects or any other unusual symptoms while taking pentazocine, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication to avoid any further complications.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• sedation
• Constipation
• Headache
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Weakness or tiredness
• Minor psychic disturbances, rapid IV injection  may cause cardiac/respiratory depression
• Chronic IM use may cause soft tissue reaction at the injection site.

In some cases, pentazocine can cause more serious side effects, including:

• Respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Changes in mood, such as anxiety or agitation
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures.

Pantazocin brand name in india

In India, pentazocine is available under different brand names. Here are four common brand names for pentazocine in India:

Fortwin - manufactured by Wockhardt Ltd.

Sosegon - manufactured by Piramal Healthcare Ltd.

Pentazocid - manufactured by Cipla Ltd.

Dolantin - manufactured by Themis Medicare Ltd.