Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Substance Abuse and Addiction?

Mary L, Windle, PharmD; Zab Mosenifar, MD; Asim Tarabar, MD

February 03, 2015

To be diagnosed with cocaine intoxication, a patient must have used cocaine recently and must have developed clinically significant behavioral or psychological changes. These changes may consist of euphoria, hypervigilance, talkativeness, grandiosity, anxiety, impaired judgment, anger, tension, changes in sociability, or changes in occupational functioning. Impaired judgment, anger, and tension can be extreme and increase the risk for violent and even homicidal behavior. In addition, the patient must demonstrate two or more of the following nine signs or symptoms during or shortly after the cocaine use:

Tachycardia or bradycardia
Mydriasis
Blood pressure change
Perspiration
Nausea or vomiting
Weight loss
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Weakness, respiratory depression, chest pain, or dysrhythmia
Disorientation, seizures, dyskinesias, dystonias, or coma

For more on the presentation of cocaine intoxication, read here.

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Cite this: Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Substance Abuse and Addiction? - Medscape - Feb 03, 2015.

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