Cocaine

Cocaine

Erythroxylon coca

• Cocaine is an alkaloid from the leaves of the bush ``Erythroxylon coca
• Indians – Chew on leaves
• Isolated cocaine:

salt-like aspect – sniffed, i.v. application

as a base – inhalation, smoking (crack)

History of Coca-Cola:

• • 1886 Atlanta druggist J. S. Pemberton - morphinist
• Syrup from the extraction of Coca leaves and the African Cola nut - as a medicine
• Free sale - mass addiction to cocaine...

Pharmacology

• Levorotatory isomer – pharmacologically active
• Cocaine – agonist of catecholamines (dopamine….)
• Has stimulating effects
• Acts as an anesthetic (blocks the flow of sodium in the nerves)
• In case of overdose, cardiac arrhythmias occur and subsequently possible death

Abuse

• Sniff, i.v., i.v. also with heroin ("stereo")
• Smoking crack - immediate availability in the blood

Acute abuse

• Usual doses: 10–120 mg
• Duration of effect: 1–2 hours
• Symptoms:

- Euphoria – stimulation, followed by depression

- Hyperactivity, irritability, aggressiveness

- Initial improvement in mood, confidence, sense of superiority ("EGO")

- Sexual excitement

- Anorexia

Chronic abuse

• Psychosis, hallucinations with paranoid delusions
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Tissue damage at application sites
• Severe psychological dependence occurs
• Development of tolerance is not significant

Links

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• Cannabinoid use disorders • Opioid use disorders