Cocaine abuse

Description Cocaine is a common...

Description

Cocaine is a commonly abused drug because of its euphoric effects and addictive properties. The drug stimulates the brain and heart and if too much is used serious side effects can occur such as an irregular heart rate (arrhythmia), stroke, seizure and death. Drinking alcohol while taking cocaine can increase the chance of death. There are multiple forms of cocaine and it can be injected into a vein, inhaled through the nose or smoked.

Symptoms

Agitation, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, weakness, slurred speech, coma, low blood pressure or high blood pressure, fever, seizure.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: blood tests, EKG, and imaging studies to rule out any cardiovascular or central nervous system damage. Work-up is dependent on the presenting symptoms.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin

Other Specific Tests: Urine tox screen

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine

Treatment

Treatment is dependent on the presenting symptoms. The primary goals of treatment are to protect the patient from the stimulant effects of cocaine and to avoid treatment-related sedation. If the patient has a fever, active cooling measures are needed to prevent cardiovascular collapse. Counseling and other treatments may be helpful to break the addiction to cocaine.