Q: My friend is addicted to Fortwin injections for the past 5 years. What could be the contra indications of usage of this drug? He suffers from chronic pancreatitis and severe gastric disorders. What is the way out? Please suggest some de-addiction centres?

A:Fortwin (pentazocine) has many morphine-like side effects including respiratory depression. It must not be used in head injury or high pressure in the skull/brain. Immediate attempts must be made to gradually stop the medication by reducing the injections from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 over the next few weeks. De-addiction centres exist in most large, government hospitals.