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 toxicology screen
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
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 toxicology screen
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
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.