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Pentazocine is a medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. A pentazocine overdose occurs when an individual accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should contact your local emergency number (like 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Pentazocine Alternative Names
Talwin; Alupent; Fortal; Pentafen; Fortulgesic; Litcon
Poisonous Ingredient
Pentazocine
Symptoms of Pentazocine Abuse
For most of these types of poisonings, an individual will likely have signs of opioid intoxication. Symptoms may comprise:
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Seizures
- Rapid heartbeat and blood pressure changes
- Pinpoint pupils
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Breathing difficulty
- Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
Some formulations may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms in patients that have used opioid pain medications or street drugs for a long time. These symptoms may comprise:
- Vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Goose bumps
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety and restlessness
Home Treatment
Seek immediate medical assistance. DO NOT make an individual throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a healthcare professional.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- If the medicine was prescribed for the patient
- Name of product (and the ingredients and strength if known)
- The amount swallowed
- The patients age, weight, and condition
- The time it was swallowed
Nevertheless, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.
Poison Control, or a Local Emergency Number
In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a local poison control center. This hotline number will let you talk to professionals in poisoning. They will give you more instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control facilities in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions regarding poisoning or poison prevention. You can reach out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health caregiver will measure and monitor the patient’s vital signs, as well as temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Naloxone(Narcan), a medicine (antidote) to help reverse the effect of the poison — multiple doses may be required
- Laxative
- Gastric lavage
- Fluids by IV
- Activated charcoal
Pentazocine overdose is typically much less serious than other opioid medication overdoses, such as heroin and morphine. Rarely do antidotes like Narcan need to be used. Even though deaths have been reported, most people who receive immediate treatment should recover well.
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Resources and References:
- Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
- Opioid Intoxication Symptoms