Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug that affects your central nervous system. It produces a sense of extreme joy by causing the brain to release higher than normal amounts of some biochemicals. However, cocaine's effects on other parts of the body can be very serious or even deadly.
See also:
Cocaine intoxication may be caused by:
Symptoms of cocaine intoxication include:
With higher doses, sweating, tremors, confusion, hyperactivity, seizures, stroke, irregular heart beats, and sudden death can occur.
The health care provider will m easure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. A class of medications called benzodiazepines are given to calm a rapid heart beat and lower blood pressure. The medicines include diazepam and lorazepam.
Long-term treatment requires drug counseling in combination with medical therapy.
Intoxication - cocaine
Perrone J, Hoffman RS. Cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, and nicotine. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 168.
Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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