Anti-craving Property of Chlorpromazine in Pentazocine addiction among sickle cell disease patients: A Case Series

Abstract

Background: Opioids are useful in the management of vaso-occlusive crisis among Sickle Cell Disease patients; however, there is a need to search for drugs that can ameliorate the withdrawal symptoms without causing further dependence. Case presentations: Three patients living with Sickle cell disease abusing Pentazocine were managed with Tab Chlorpromazine 100mg twice daily for three weeks and had a significant reduction in the level of craving and also experienced improved sleep. Chlorpromazine demonstrates a high affinity for dopamine (DA) receptors and acts as a receptor antagonist by inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity. Conclusion: Chlorpromazine was found to be useful in the management of cravings associated with Pentazocine addiction.

Keywords

• Sickle cell disease
• Dependence
• Pentazocine
• Chlorpromazine
• Case series