Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that, although it is an illicit drug, it has some medical uses. Cocaine is a local anesthetic. It is applied to certain areas of the body (for example, the nose, mouth, or throat) to cause loss of feeling or numbness. This allows certain kinds of procedures or surgery to be done without causing pain.

Cocaine can cause psychological dependence. This may lead to cocaine abuse and to an increased chance of serious side effects. Cocaine abuse has caused death from heart or breathing failure.

Cocaine speeds up your whole body. You may feel full of energy, happy, and excited. But then your mood can change. You can become angry, nervous, and afraid that someone’s out to get you. You might do things that make no sense. After the “high” of the cocaine wears off, you can “crash” and feel tired and sad for days. You also get a strong craving to take the drug again to try to feel better.

Cocaine is more dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol.

Cocaine Overdose is Sudden

Cocaine overdose tends to come on suddenly, often with no advanced warning. Central nervous system symptoms of cocaine overdose may include seizures, tremors, and general shakiness. In those using the drug for the first time, often the substance will keep them awake for a long time. For others, there is less of an effect of being wide awake. Seizures and tremors can come on suddenly without warning, though they usually occur shortly after use.

Behavioral Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

Some symptoms of cocaine overdose affect the individual’s behavior. Rapid speech, talking excessively, acting out violently, or having paranoid thoughts are all signs a person has used a substantial amount of the drug or is being severely affected. This is when others should be on the alert for more symptoms. It is also likely that when such states occur, the heart rate is also very high. Cocaine overdose can happen very quickly, so it is best to seek medical attention if a person’s behavior is different from ordinary. It is best not to confront a person exhibiting violent behavior or paranoid thoughts by trying to control the individual. This is likely to only agitate the person more and may lead to injury of others.

Lasting Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

Cocaine overdose can lead to permanent brain injury. This can occur either by causing a stroke or by causing severe seizures. The drug increases blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, stroke and heart attack can occur at any time. In some people, sudden death due to cardiac arrest can occur the first time the substance is used. It is especially dangerous for those who already suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, greatly increasing the risk of an adverse reaction with smaller amounts.

Racing heart rate will occur just before nausea and vomiting. If vomiting occurs, it is important to make sure the individual is rolled onto his or her side to prevent choking, which is another hazard of cocaine overdose. Medical help should be sought immediately if vomiting occurs as this is a sign that more severe consequences may occur soon. Other risks from vomiting include dehydration and rupture of the esophagus, if vomiting is severe and lasts for a longer period of time.

The use of cocaine can lead to a high fever, due to increased muscle activity. When a high fever occurs, the individual may experience permanent damage to muscle cells. Permanent brain injury is also possible. Hyperthermia can also result in organ failure. If immediate medical attention is not sought, the failure can become permanent. Sometimes it occurs even with prompt medical attention. Knowing the signs and symptoms of cocaine overdose such as hyperthermia and high fever can alert friends and family members to the potential danger. Immediate medical attention is required for high fever.

No matter how cocaine is taken, it is dangerous. Some of the most common serious problems include heart attack and stroke. Cocaine overdose can occur in long term users or the first time someone uses cocaine.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.wikipedia.org