Definition

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with potent cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) side effects. Signs of intoxication typically begin with enlarged pupils, euphoria, agitation, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.

With higher doses, symptoms can progress to sweating, tremors, confusion, hyperactivity, seizures, stroke, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats), and sudden death.

See also related topics: drug abuse, drug abuse and dependence, drug abuse first aid, and stroke secondary to cocaine.

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Alternative Names

Intoxication - cocaine
Lots More Information:
Toxicology screen
Central nervous system
Cardiovascular
Stroke
Arrhythmias
Drug abuse
Drug abuse and dependence...
Drug abuse first aid
Stroke related to cocaine u...

Review Date:11/4/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.