Sometimes the pain we experience is so severe that ordinary painkillers cannot control it, right? Do you also have such severe pain? When other painkillers have not helped or you cannot tolerate them, your doctor may prescribe this medicine for you. This is a very strong painkiller. So let's find out more about it.
What really happens with this medicine?
There are two main ingredients in this medicine: Pentazocine and Naloxone .
Simply put, Pentazocine is a powerful painkiller that blocks pain signals to your brain. It belongs to a class of drugs called opioids . The Naloxone component is added to prevent misuse of this medication (especially by injection). This means that it only works properly when taken as a pill. In Sri Lanka, this medication is available under the brand name Talwin Nx .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete history of your health before starting this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Brain-related problems: Conditions such as a brain tumor and a severe head injury.
- History of addiction: If you have previously been addicted to other medications, drugs, or alcohol.
- Breathing difficulties: If you have asthma or other lung diseases.
- Kidney or liver disease: If your kidneys or liver are not working properly.
- Other medical conditions: Conditions such as heart disease, low adrenal gland function, intestinal problems, and seizures.
- Other habits: If you are a regular drinker or smoker.
- Other medications you are taking: This is very important if you have taken a medication in the MAOI group (e.g. Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) within the past 14 days .
- Allergies: If you are allergic to this medicine, other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Hiding this information could even endanger your life. Therefore, do not hide anything and talk openly with your doctor.
How should I use the medicine?
- This medicine should be taken orally as a pill. Take only the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor .
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day if possible.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly.
- Read the MedGuide carefully when you are given your medication. However, if you have any questions, you should ask your doctor.
What to do if you take too much medicine (overdose)?
This is a very dangerous situation. If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never share this medicine with anyone else.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the next scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
This medicine may interact with other medications and alcohol, which can cause dangerous side effects.
| Type of substance/drug that may cause problems | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| What you should definitely not take | Medicines like Safinamide and Selegiline. |
| Alcohol | Taking this medication with alcohol can cause excessive drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and even death. Avoid completely. |
| Some other medications |
|
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. Also tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
About pain and medication dosage
When you take this medicine for a long time, your body may become accustomed to it. This means that the dose you took before may not be enough to control your pain (tolerance). This is normal. If this happens, your doctor will adjust your dose. This is not addiction. Addiction is the use of a medicine for other purposes than it is medically necessary. Because you have pain, you have a medical reason to take this medicine.
Be aware of breathing difficulties and an overdose.
One of the most dangerous side effects of this drug is slow or stopped breathing. This risk is especially high if you take it with alcohol or other sleep-inducing drugs. Difficulty breathing, extreme sleepiness, or difficulty speaking to wake you up could be signs of an overdose. Go to the hospital immediately.
In some countries, a drug called Naloxone is used to treat an opioid overdose. You can ask your doctor for more information about this.
Be careful in everyday life.
This medicine may make you feel sleepy and dizzy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed. This is especially important if you are an elderly person.
Constipation and dry mouth
Constipation is very common with this medicine. If you do not have a bowel movement after about 3 days, tell your doctor. Eating more vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich foods, and drinking plenty of water will help. If your mouth gets dry, it is best to chew sugar-free gum and drink plenty of water.
What side effects can be seen?
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, loss of consciousness, confusion. |
| Decreased adrenal function | Vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling unusually tired, dizziness. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, loss of consciousness, blurred vision. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Nausea or vomiting |
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- This medicine can be misused, so keep it in a safe place where it cannot be stolen .
- Selling this medicine or giving it to someone else is a punishable offense and is very dangerous.
- You should dispose of unused or expired medicines properly. You can find out more about this from your doctor or a government hospital. If there is no way to do this, flush these tablets down the toilet.
- Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
Take-Home Message
- This is a very strong medicine for severe pain. Use it only as directed by the doctor, and only in the amount prescribed.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you take.
- Never give this medicine to anyone else. Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- Be aware of dangerous side effects such as slow breathing and excessive sleepiness. If this happens, go to the hospital immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
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