ABSTRACT
Pentazocine, long an abused drug among the medical community, has become popular among street addicts. The tablet form of pentazocine is combined with the antihistamine, tripelennamine, dissolved in water, and injected intravenously. This combination is known as "T's and Blues." Prescribing physicians should be aware of the abuse of these two drugs, particularly since pentazocine in tablet form is often considered of low abuse potential. Patterns of abuse, serious medical complications, and treatment considerations are discussed.
Subject(s)
Pentazocine , Substance-Related Disorders , Tripelennamine , Humans , Injections, Intravenous , Methadone/therapeutic use , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/rehabilitation , Substance-Related Disorders/rehabilitation , TabletsABSTRACT
Phencyclidine appears to be unique in action compared with other psychedelic drugs, and its effects are less dependent upon the individual's personality than are the effects of LSD or mescaline. The authors discuss the sensory, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of phencyclidine intoxication. Most cases are of short duration and the only treatment necessary may be observation together with minimal stimulation and diazepam. However, prolonged and severe behavioral disturbances, exaggeration of preexisting thought disorder, and serious medical complications commonly occur and must be considered in the treatment plan.