IV pentazocine/methylphenidate abuse--the clinical toxicity of another Ts and blues combination

Abuse of intravenous crushed Talwin (pentazocine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) tablets has not been fully described. The objective of this study was to characterize intravenous pentazocine/methylphenidate abuse in emergency department patients and compare its clinical toxicity to pentazocine/tripelennamine. Cases of intravenous pentazocine/methylphenidate abuse presenting to the Truman Medical Center Emergency Department between August 1987 and November 1992 were identified. Information regarding patient demographics, drug abuse, chief complaints, evaluation, treatment, and disposition were obtained from the emergency department record. The clinical presentation was compared to 104 published cases of pentazocine/tripelennamine abuse. Twenty nine patients were treated 34 times. They were 32 +/- 9 years of age, 48% male, and 52% black. Patients' chief complaints were cardiovascular/pulmonary (N = 8), central nervous system (N = 7), localized infection (N = 7), gastrointestinal (N = 5), malaise (N = 5), trauma (N = 1), and gynecologic (N = 1). Treatment was primarily supportive and included supplemental oxygen and intravenous fluids. The clinical findings were similar to those reported for pentazocine/tripelennamine; 58% had the typical symptom complex of chest pain, anxiety, muscle spasm, dizziness, and nausea.