Cocaine negative effects

The adverse effects of the combined use of alcohol and cocaine have been reviewed (385). There is little evidence that this combination acts synergistically or that either drug enhances the negative effects of the other. However, the combination leads to the formation of cocaethylene, which may potentiate cardiotoxic effects and the combination has a greater than additive effect on heart rate. Lastly, cocaine antagonizes the learning and psychomotor performance deficits and driving impairment caused by alcohol. 

This farmer in Peru harvests coca leaves, the base ingredient in cocaine. Cocaine production has a negative effect on the environment 5.7 million acres of rainforest have been cleared to grow coca over the last 30 years in Peru alone, and 14,800 tons of toxic chemicals used in the production of cocaine paste have been dumped into the Amazon jungle. 

The safety of the cocaine vaccine TC-CD in former cocaine abusers has been evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial, and it was determined that the vaccine was well tolerated with dose-related increases in antibody levels.65 Two Phase II clinical trials have now been conducted.66,67 The vaccine was again well tolerated and subjects reported a reduction in cocaine s reinforcing effects. The antibody levels were detectable after the second dose, peaked at 8 to 12 weeks, and remained elevated for up to 6 months preliminary findings indicated a negative association between antibody level and cocaine use. Other anti-cocaine vaccines in development include a blocking antibody (ITAC-cocaine) and a monoclonal catalytic antibody (15A10). 

Toxic psychosis Several monoamine stimulants including cocaine are known to produce a temporary or even a lasting psychotic state after heavy use. Reviews of numerous clinical case reports have shown amphetamine to produce a chronic psychotic state, sometimes persisting for months after cessation. There appears to be a sensitization effect in this regard, because after recovery, psychotic states may recur with minimal use of amphetamine or alcohol. When compared to schizophrenic patients, people with amphetamine-induced psychosis demonstrate fewer negative symptoms (Boutros and Bowers 1996). 

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been tested in several double-blind trials among cocaine addicts. Like cocaine, desipramine inhibits monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake, but its principal effects are on norepinephrine reuptake. It was hypothesized that desipramine could relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms of cocaine dependence and reduce the desire for cocaine during the vulnerable period following cessation of cocaine. This drug showed efficacy early in the epidemic in a group of patients who were primarily white collar intranasal cocaine users. The majority of subsequent studies of desipramine-using, more severely ill cocaine addicts have been negative. 

Some individuals take Rohypnol with heroin to enhance the high. This may be particularly tme for users of low-quality heroin, according to The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. Users of cocaine and crack cocaine may snort crushed Rohypnol or take Rohypnol pills after using cocaine to ease some of the negative side effects. 

Like amphetamine and cocaine, abuse of MPH [Ritalin] can lead to marked tolerance and severe psychologic dependence. The pattern of abuse is characterized by escalation in dose, binge use followed by severe depression, and an overpowering desire to continue to the use of the drug despite negative medical and social consequences. The abuser may alter the mode of administration from oral use to intranasal or intravenous use to intensify the effects of the drug. (p. 35)... 

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