Fortwin Addiction Symptoms & Effects of Substance Abuse- Know what can be done

Fortwin is a pain-relieving injection given to manage chronic pain for which alternative treatments are inadequate. The drug is also used as a pre-anaesthetic or as a supplement to surgical anaesthesia. Pentazocine is the name of the drug which is prescribed as Fortwin, other names etc. The drug is only prescribed in extreme situations such as labour pain or to use as a pre-anaesthetic/ supplementation to surgical anaesthesia to maintain the level of anaesthesia and is generally administered by a healthcare professional

What makes Fortwin Addictive?

Fortwin is an opioid analgesic (pain reliever) that works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain to lower pain perception. (Opioid is a substance used to combat severe to moderate pain like morphine and codeine. It is prone to cause addiction). Opioids interact with the opioid receptors of the nerve cells changing the activity of the cell, hence producing feelings of comfort and sleepiness in the brain. 

“To nullify the addictive nature of opioids in Fortwin, it is coupled with ‘naloxone’, an opioid antagonist. When Fortwin is consumed as prescribed and instructed by a health professional, the naloxone blocks the opioid receptors. Thus barring the effect of the consumed opioids. Most people fighting Fortwin addiction disrupt the medication by breaking or crushing to snort or inject them, leading to severe distress”, says Dr Arun, Consultant Psychiatrist, describing the safeguards against Fortwin addiction.

What happens to the body of a drug addict?

Our body creates its own opioids called ‘endorphins’ which help calm the body in times of distress. But opioid drugs like prescription pain medicine or heroin have much stronger opioid effects and are more dangerous. Over time, frequent use of opioid drugs makes the body dependent on it. When the drug is taken away the body reacts with withdrawal symptoms such as headache, racing heart, soaking sweats, vomiting, diarrhoea, and tremors. For many, these symptoms feel impossible to bear. With continued consumption of drugs like Fortwin, the receptors on the nerve cells also become less responsive and develop tolerance to the drug. As a result, more drugs are needed to produce the same effect, causing an overdose.

When are you addicted to Fortwin? – Substance Abuse symptoms

“Continued intake of Fortwin30 leads to changes in the brain that leads to a destructive pattern of drug abuse. It affects the mind and behaviour of a person such that they are unable to control the use of the drug to a point that it interferes with their ability to think and function,” says Dr. Arun, Consultant Psychiatrist, Cadabams Group. Pentazocine addicts usually show the following signs:  

• Secretive behaviour 
• Significant decrease in productivity
• Bruises on body or injection marks 
• Experiencing hallucinations, seizures, dizziness
• Vomiting, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties
• Feeling dry in the mouth
• Sudden change in mood and mood swings
• Refraining from socialising 
• Financial problems or legal problems
• Problems in dealing with relationships

Effects of Pentazocine Drug Abuse

While the biggest effect of any drug addiction is the addiction or the dependency of one’s body on the effect of the drug to an extent that it refuses to function properly if the drugs are stopped. Here are some of the other significant damage caused by Fortwin drug abuse:

• Impotence, infertility and sexual problems
• Missed menstrual periods
• Complications from chronic constipation
• Other gastrointestinal complications
• Breathing problems including sleep-related breathing issues
• Increased chances of cardiovascular issues like heart failure 
• Multiple hormonal problems
• Abnormal psychological problems 
• Increased pain sensitivity
• Drowsiness or fatigue
•  Impaired judgment
• Severe constipation
• Seizures
• Severe weakness 
• Sudden loss of appetite

Withdrawal Symptoms: 

It is obvious for individuals addicted to Fortwin to experience withdrawal symptoms while attempting to completely stop using it. As their bodies are now habitual to receiving a specific dose of the drug and hence find it difficult to function without it. Withdrawal symptoms are nothing but the body’s way of signalling the need for more drugs. While these symptoms might vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of the addiction, we have listed some of the commonly observed withdrawal symptoms a pentazocine drug addict might experience:

• Tiredness or weariness
• Hindered sense of judgement 
• Serious blockage
• Seizures
• Unrest
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches/ twitching
• Tearing of the eyes
• Insomnia and disrupted sleep pattern 
• Runny nose
• Flu-like symptoms
• Cramping
• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps
• Nausea and vomiting

Is Fortwin drug addiction treatable?

Addiction to any substance is treatable, depending on the condition of the addicted patient. It must be treated like any disease as it has direct effects on the functioning of the brain. One must remember that no one treatment is right for everyone and the treatments need frequent revisions to fit the changing needs of the patient. It may take months or years to completely overcome the drug addiction. 

Drug Abuse Treatment for Fortwin Addiction

Treating drug addicts requires thorough medical diagnosis to devise a procedure that’ll eventually cure the patient. A series of medication, behavioural counselling and follow-up options along with constant evaluation is critical for successful redemption. Any treatment would include both medicinal and mental health services as needed. Medical detox, confidential treatment, and rehabilitation programs have proved to be successful in curbing Fortwin addiction.

Remember, any substance abuse treatment is effective only when a patient undergoes all the stages of treatment. While there may be multiple times when the willpower of the person fighting addiction may wane, it is important to stick through the treatment for positive results. 

Drug addiction treatment at Cadabam’s 

Cadabam’s Hospital is home to a team of qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and certified healthcare professionals who are committed to offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services that are safe, effective, and respect the confidential nature of such treatments. At Cadabams, we ensure that every patient receives a personalized and holistic treatment right from prevention till aftercare. With round-the-clock medical assistance, a comprehensive diet plan, and exercise routines, and more, we ensure a nurturing environment for all our patients to speed up the rate of recovery and ensure optimal physical and mental health.

For any mental health-related help, reach out to us at +91 96111 94949, +91 7353226622