The euphoria is quickly followed by feelings of discomfort and depression and craving to re-experience the drug. Overdose cause tachy-arythmias and a marked elevation of blood pressure. These can be a life treating, especially if the user has underlying cardiac disease. Toxicity results in seizures, followed by respiratory and circulatory depression of medullar origin. Cocaine is also highly pyrogenic because the stimulation and increased muscular activity cause greater heat production.
Heat loss is inhibited by the intense vasoconstriction.
The blood vessels limit absorption. Chronic use results in ongoing rhinitis and necrosis of the nasal membranes. Injection of cocaine produces an exhilarating rush. The euphoria passes quickly as the liver rapidly metabolizes the drug. Besides the toxic effects of cocaine, there is also danger of circulatory emboli from the insoluble substances that may be used to cut the drug.