Pentazocine overdose

Pentazocine is a medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain. A pentazocine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Pentazocine

Where Found

Pentazocine is found in:

• Algopent
• Fortral
• Fortulgesic
• Litcon
• Pentafen
• Talwin Nx

This list is not all-inclusive.

Symptoms

In most opioid poisonings, the person will have signs of opioid intoxication. Opioids are powerful painkillers. Symptoms may include:

• Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
• Breathing difficulty
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat and blood pressure changes
• Pinpoint pupils
• Seizures
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting

Pentazocine is a weak opioid. It may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms in people who use it as a substitute for stronger formulations. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Diarrhea
• Goose bumps
• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

• The person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medicine was prescribed for the person

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV)
• Laxative
• Medicines to treat symptoms, including naloxone (Narcan), an antidote to help reverse the effect of the poison, multiple doses may be needed

Outlook (Prognosis)

Pentazocine overdose is usually much less serious than other opioid medicine overdoses, such as heroin and morphine. Rarely do antidotes, such as Narcan, need to be used. Although deaths have been reported, most people who receive immediate treatment should recover well.