pentazocine

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Pronunciation: pen TAZ oh seen

Brand: Talwin

What is the most important information I should know about pentazocine?

Pentazocine can slow or stop your breathing. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Pentazocine may also be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

What is pentazocine?

Pentazocine is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Pentazocine is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also used as part of anesthesia for surgery.

Pentazocine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using pentazocine?

You should not use pentazocine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure pentazocine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • any type of breathing problem or lung disease;
  • asthma or sulfite allergy;
  • a history of head injury, brain tumor, or mental illness;
  • a history of alcoholism or drug addiction (pentazocine may be habit-forming);
  • a seizure disorder;
  • high blood pressure, heart disease, history of recent heart attack;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • gallbladder disease; or
  • if you use a sedative like Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

Some medicines can interact with pentazocine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. If you use pentazocine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether pentazocine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is pentazocine given?

Pentazocine is injected under the skin or into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

Pentazocine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away pentazocine is against the law.

Pentazocine is usually given only for a short time.

You may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you stop using pentazocine suddenly after long-term use. If you receive more than a single dose, ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using pentazocine.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used. Pentazocine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since pentazocine is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If pentazocine is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of pentazocine can be fatal.

What should I avoid while using pentazocine?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with pentazocine.

Pentazocine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

What are the possible side effects of pentazocine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Like other narcotic medicines, pentazocine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
  • confusion, hallucinations;
  • weak or shallow breathing;
  • painful or difficult urination; or
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Pentazocine is more likely to cause breathing problems in older adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
  • anxiety, feelings of extreme happiness;
  • constipation; or
  • dry mouth, blurred vision, ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect pentazocine?

Narcotic (opioid) medication can interact with many other drugs and cause dangerous side effects or death. Be sure your doctor knows if you also use:

  • other narcotic medications --opioid pain medicine or prescription cough medicine;
  • drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing --a sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, sedative, tranquilizer, or antipsychotic medicine; or
  • drugs that affect serotonin levels in your body --medicine for depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pentazocine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about pentazocine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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