Pentazocine dependence in a female patient with tubercular meningitis: A case report that calls for treatment gap reduction through multilevel screening

Abstract

Pentazocine abuse is relatively uncommon and even rarely seen in Indian females. It is often associated with multiple dermatological sequelae due to the repetitive local trauma at the injection site and the local effects of the drug. While managing opioid dependence, pathways of care vary a lot, thus deeming the multilevel screening at the level of general practitioners, pharmacists, mental health professionals, and other specialties, rather crucial. This one step can lead to a significant reduction in the treatment gap of opioid dependence. Here, we present a case of a female who started self-injecting a combination of pentazocine and promethazine (Phenergan) posttubercular meningitis recovery for her persistent postmeningitic headache.

Keywords

• headache
• opioid dependence
• pentazocine
• pseudodependence
• tuberculosis