Self-Administration of Tripelennamine by a Narcotic Addict

Abstract

THE case reported below concerns the intravenous use of tripelennamine (Pyribenzamine) by a patient in a manner similar to that employed by morphine addicts. We have studied the literature and have found no reference to previous reports of this nature. Kells¹ presented 3 cases of morphine addiction treated with tripelennamine by mouth during the withdrawal stage, the suggested mechanism of action being the neutralization of an antimorphine substance in the blood of addicts. These patients, however, were given the antihistaminic as a prescribed part of their treatment; in this and other important respects they differed from the case under discussion. . . .