Pentazocine

Pentazocine is a synthetically-prepared naloxone) and Talacen (with acetaminophen). It should be noted that this compound may exist as one of two enantiomers, named (+)-pentazocine and (-)-pentazocine. (-)-pentazocine is a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, while (+)-pentazocine is not, and displays selectivity to the related sigma receptor.

Adverse effects

Side effects are similar to those of depressant action is subject to a "ceiling" effect. It can be used as analgesics for dental extractions except in heroin addict patients.

Recreational use

In the 1980s, recreational drug users discovered that combining pentazocine with the methylphenidate (Ritalin) via the oral route or insufflation.

Administration

Pentazocine is administered by subcutaneous, intramuscular, and lactate: The usual dose is the equivalent of pentazocine 30 to 60 mg every 3 to 4 hours; it should not be necessary to exceed 360 mg daily. It is also available in 25mg pills.

In a study published in the March 24, 2003 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team led by McGill University researcher Jeffrey Mogil found that women with red hair require less pentazocine for pain relief than do women with other hair colours or men of any hair colour.

Legal status

Pentazocine is still classified in Schedule IV under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, even with the addition of the naloxone. Internationally, pentazocine is a Schedule III drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.[1]