Signs Of Cocaine Overdose. Cocaine Overdose Treatment EMS. Can You Overdose On Cocaine? How Much Cocaine Does It Take To Overdose? Cocaine Overdose Symptoms & Cocaine Abuse.

What Does A Cocaine Overdose Feel Like?

A cocaine overdose can induce a range of distressing and potentially life-threatening sensations.

Initially, there might be intense euphoria and heightened energy, followed by escalating anxiety, paranoia, and confusion.

Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, profuse sweating, chest pain, and difficulty breathing may occur as the overdose progresses. In severe cases, an overwhelming sense of agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and unconsciousness may occur, culminating in a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Signs Of Cocaine Overdose

What happens when you overdose on cocaine? Signs of a cocaine overdose can include the following:

• Agitation and Restlessness: Excessive and uncontrolled agitation, nervousness, and inability to sit still.
• Intense Anxiety or Paranoia: Extreme fear, panic, or suspicion.
• Increased Heart Rate: Rapid and irregular heartbeat (tachycardia).
• High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure can lead to severe complications.
• Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest area, often accompanied by palpitations.
• Profuse Sweating: Excessive sweating, even in cold conditions.
• Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath, labored breathing, or rapid breathing.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent feelings of nausea and vomiting.
• Tremors or Shaking: Involuntary trembling or shaking of the body.
• Confusion: Mental disorientation, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not present.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle movements or convulsions.
• Unconsciousness: Loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, or inability to wake up.

If you suspect symptoms of a cocaine overdose, you must seek immediate medical help by calling emergency services, such as 911. An overdose can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention.

How To Help Someone Overdosing On Cocaine?

Never underestimate the severity of a cocaine overdose. It’s a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Promptly seek professional help if you suspect someone has overdosed on drugs.

If you believe someone is overdosing on cocaine, here’s what you should do:

• Call for Help: Immediately dial emergency services (911 or your local emergency number) for professional medical assistance.
• Stay Calm: While waiting for help to arrive, try to remain calm and keep the person as calm as possible. Reassure them that help is on the way.
• Monitor Vital Signs: Check the person’s breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. If they become unconscious and are not breathing, you may need to perform CPR if you are trained.
• Keep Them Awake: Encourage the person to stay awake and responsive. If they start to lose consciousness, try to keep them awake by talking to them and gently shaking them.
• Don’t Leave Them Alone: Always stay with the person until medical professionals arrive. If their condition worsens, you can provide crucial information to the paramedics.
• Do Not Try Home Remedies: Avoid attempting home remedies or “sobering up” techniques. The safest and most effective response is to seek professional medical help.

Medical professionals are trained to handle overdose situations and can provide the necessary interventions to stabilize and treat the individual. But your prompt action can also make a significant difference in saving someone’s life.

Learn More:

• What is Cocaine? Cocaine’s Effects. How is Cocaine Made & Used? Is Cocaine Addictive? Signs & Side Effects.
• How Addictive is Cocaine? The Dangers of Cocaine Addiction
• Signs of Cocaine Use, Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment
• How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your Blood? (How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your Blood Stream?) 
• Cocaine Detox Timeline, Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment
• How to Get Cocaine Out of Your System Safely, Detox, & Professional Help
• How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System? How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Urine? How Long is Cocaine in Your System? Chart.
• Cocaine Effects on the Brain, Does Cocaine Kill Brain Cells?
• Cocaine Myths, Learn The Truth About Cocaine Addiction
• Interesting Facts About Cocaine. 10 Facts About Cocaine You Probably Didn’t Know. Fun 3 Facts About Cocaine.

Cocaine Overdose Treatment EMS

Emergency medical services (EMS) are crucial in treating a cocaine overdose. Here’s an overview of the typical steps EMS would take:

• Assessment and Stabilization: Upon arrival, EMS personnel will assess the person’s condition, checking vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. They will focus on stabilizing the individual’s condition and addressing immediate life-threatening issues.
• Airway Management: If the person has difficulty breathing, EMS may provide oxygen or assist with ventilation to ensure proper oxygenation.
• Intravenous Access: EMS might establish an intravenous (IV) line to administer fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream.

• Medication Administration: Depending on the severity of the overdose, EMS may administer medications such as benzodiazepines to control seizures, manage agitation, and reduce blood pressure.
• Cardiac Monitoring: Continuous cardiac monitoring helps EMS monitor the person’s heart rhythm and address any abnormalities promptly.
• Transport to Hospital: Once the person’s condition is stabilized, EMS will transport them to a hospital. Hospital care is essential for further evaluation, monitoring, and appropriate treatment.
• Communication with Hospital: EMS personnel will provide essential information to the hospital staff, such as the person’s condition, the substances involved, and any treatments administered.

Symptoms Of Cocaine Overdose Laced With Fentanyl

Cocaine laced with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, can lead to an even more life-threatening and unpredictable overdose. Signs of overdose on cocaine are:

• Severe difficulty breathing or slow, shallow breathing, which can be life-threatening.
• Profound drowsiness or loss of consciousness.
• Constricted pupils that appear small are a classic sign of opioid exposure.
• Mental confusion or difficulty staying awake.
• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or muscle weakness.
• Persistent feelings of nausea and vomiting.
• Inability to respond to stimuli or attempts to wake the person.
• Cyanosis, a bluish tint to the skin or extremities, indicates oxygen deprivation.
• Irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, or other heart-related symptoms.
• Uncontrolled muscle movements or convulsions.

Fentanyl is a potent opioid; even a tiny amount mixed with cocaine can significantly increase the risk of overdose. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose from cocaine laced with fentanyl, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, may also be administered by medical professionals.

15,883

There were over 15,883 cocaine-involved overdose deaths in 2019.

Source: NIDA

172,000

There were approximately 172,000 treatment admissions where cocaine was the primary substance of abuse.

Source: NCBI

Cocaine Overdose Signs On The Body

Cocaine overdose can manifest through various signs and symptoms on the body, including the following:

• Dilated Pupils: It may be noticeable even in well-lit environments.
• Increased Heart Rate: An elevated heart rate (tachycardia) is a typical physiological response to cocaine use and overdose.
• High Blood Pressure: Cocaine can cause a significant increase in blood pressure, which may result in hypertension and related symptoms.
• Agitation and Restlessness: Extreme agitation, restlessness, and hyperactivity.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain or discomfort, which may indicate cardiac issues.
• Profuse Sweating: Overdose can trigger excessive sweating and a feeling of overheating.
• Tremors: Physical tremors or involuntary shaking may occur due to the stimulant effects of cocaine.
• Seizures: Cocaine overdose can result in seizures, which are sudden and uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain.
• Confusion or Disorientation: Cognitive symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and impaired judgment may be present.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting, can occur during a cocaine overdose.
• Respiratory Distress: Breathing difficulties, rapid or shallow breathing, or other respiratory issues may be evident.

Cocaine Overdose Treatment

Seek medical help immediately by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing cocaine overdose effects. Medical professionals will assess your condition and provide prompt intervention.

• Stabilization: Healthcare providers focus on stabilizing vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Oxygen therapy may be administered to ensure proper oxygenation.
• Benzodiazepines: These medications are often used to manage agitation, anxiety, and seizures caused by cocaine overdose. They help to calm the individual and prevent further complications.
• Monitoring and Observation: Continuous monitoring is crucial to assess the person’s response to treatment, identify potential complications, and ensure their overall well-being.
• Supportive Care: Supportive measures such as cooling techniques to address elevated body temperature and intravenous fluids to counteract dehydration may be employed.
• Psychological Support: Individuals who have experienced a cocaine overdose may require psychological support to address the emotional and psychological aspects of the situation.

Seeking rehab for cocaine addiction is highly advisable to prevent relapse. Professional treatment offers a comprehensive approach to overcoming cocaine addiction, including detoxification, therapy, counseling, and support, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery and long-term sobriety. Contact We Level Up now for treatment options.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.