Mixing Talwin and Alcohol

Talwin should never be mixed with alcohol. In doing so, the patient would compound the depressant effects that both substances have on the central nervous system. Potentially fatal respiratory depression may result from the concomitant consumption of Talwin, alcohol and other central nervous system depressants.

It should also be noted that tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics, general anesthetics, and phenothiazines also increase the risk of severe respiratory and cardiovascular depression.

Additional side effects of Talwin may include hallucinations, delusions, nightmares, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, reduced tidal volume, constipation, and itchiness. Hallucinations are unique to Talwin when compared to potential side effects from other opioids.

Talwin is a combination medication of the synthetic opioid pentazocine hydrochloride and the opioid antagonist naloxone hydrochloride. Talwin is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It comes in tablet form and is intended to be taken orally.

Pentazocine is a mixed opioid agonist/antagonist, meaning that it activates certain opioid receptors while blocking the activity of others. Pentazocine produces a ceiling effect in most patients. When taking high doses of the drug, patients reach a plateau where they can no longer increase the “high” or euphoria associated with recreational use. The presence of pentazocine in the system can also inhibit the effects of other full opioid agonists, such as morphine.

The naloxone in Talwin prevents people who take drugs recreationally from crushing and injecting the drug. In the 1970s, pentazocine became a popular street drug. In response to a large volume of overdose cases from intravenous use, naloxone was added to the formula. Naloxone is only active in the body when injected. If the patient takes the tablet orally as prescribed, naloxone remains dormant.

Alcohol and Talwin are central nervous system depressants. Respiratory depression is the primary concern when taking Talwin. The presence of alcohol can dramatically increase this risk factor.

Talwin acts on the brainstem to depress the natural urge to breathe. In the event of an overdose, carbon dioxide levels in the blood become toxic and the cells are deprived of oxygen (hypoxia). If left untreated, this can result in pulmonary edema, cardiovascular depression, coma, and death. Patients that survive an overdose may be at risk for permanent paralysis and brain damage.

The combined use of alcohol and Talwin can increase the adverse effects of alcohol as well. Patients may have an increased risk of experiencing nausea, vomiting, poor coordination, blackouts, loss of consciousness, and liver damage. As the liver struggles to metabolize both substances, it may lead to extended clearance times and elevated plasma concentrations.

Talwin frequently causes hallucinations, delusions, and nightmares. Other side effects may include respiratory depression, constipation, itchiness, and drowsiness. The concomitant consumption of Talwin and alcohol increases the likelihood of these risk factors. Talwin should not be mixed with other central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines and other opioids. The naloxone in Talwin remains dormant unless the substance is injected, at which time it rapidly reverses the effects of opioids in the body.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol misuse, The Recovery Village is available to answer any questions you may have. Visit us online at www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call our hotline at any time, day or night, at 855-548-9825 to learn more about the road to recovery. Make the call today to start living a substance-free life.