Pentazocine : a Study of Its Sedative Properties

The sedative effects of pentazocine 50 mg given orally have been studied in 100 healthy gynaecological patients using a standard scoring system. It was found that pentazocine produced mild sedation which was not significantly greater than that produced by a placebo in the numbers studied. The incidence of complications was low and while there was a higher incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after pentazocine than after the placebo, pentazocine given orally still produced less postoperative nausea and vomiting than most standard narcotic drugs. It is suggested that the mild sedative properties of pentazocine will enable this drug to be used with benefit in patients with chronic pain while if relief of anxiety is desired, as for instance in acute pain, the concomitant administration of a sedative drug may be required.