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Authors:
Olibamoyo O, Coker AO, Taiwo T, Adebayo A, Adelayi J, Adewunmi O, Nigeria
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Abstract:
Background History of medicine is filled with models of substances which were introduced as safe drugs but later showed to have considerable harmful and addiction potential. An example of this is pentazocine; however, reports on injectable pentazocine abuse are scanty in sub-Saharan Africa. Aim We hereby report two cases of injectable pentazocine abuse in Nigerians who presented to the outpatients clinic of the department of psychiatry, Lagos State University Teaching hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Results The two patients developed multiple ulcerations and abscesses on bilateral upper limbs and bilateral gluteal areas of the bodies. Management was in-patient treatment and it consisted of withdrawal of pentazocine, vigorous management of pre-existing physical and mental illness and supportive psychotherapy. Conclusions Continuous advocacy and awareness programmes on the complications and consequences of pentazocine abuse should be carried out by medical personnel and policy makers. Pentazocine should be made a prescription medicine in all pharmacies.
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