Mixing Talwin and Alcohol
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.

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.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700Talwin 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.
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.
Have more questions about Talwin abuse?
Read the most frequently asked questionsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700