Pentazocine (Talwin) and Tripelennamine (Pyribenza mine): A New Drug Abuse Combination or Just a Revival?

Abstract

Interviews were conducted with eight drug abusers at the Cook County Hospital Emergency Department who had used pentazocine (Talwin) and tripelennamine (Pyribenzamine) in combination—also known as “T's and Blues.” It was discovered that all those interviewed had been introduced to this combination in Chicago and that nearly all had been users of heroin. Economics seemed to be a major factor contributing to the preference of “T's and Blues” over heroin. A review of the literature showed that there is a striking similarity between “T's and Blues” and “Blue Velvet” which was popular almost 20 years ago.