Gender Differences Basic research, both human and animal, is needed on gender differences in the effects of psychoactive drugs. Evidence suggests that anxiety, depression, and defensive behaviors involve neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory systems that operate differently in males and females. Because these systems have important roles in drug abuse, these sex differences need to be studied thoroughly. More research is needed on how different opioid receptors are affected by drugs of abuse and what sex difference may exist. Few studies examine sex differences in the effects of psychoactive medications on women of childbearing age, particularly pregnant women, and how women's hormones and the menstrual cycle may influence the effects of these drugs.
More information is needed about gender differences in health and medical consequences.
Future research needs to clarify how cocaine interacts with reproductive hormones to cause menstrual and other reproductive disorders. Research is needed on the mechanisms associated with prolactin that underlie cocaine's effects on prolactin regulation and the clinical significance of hyperprolactinemia. Pregnancy Cocaine causes an increase in the heart rate and blood pressure, but it acts to restrict the increase in blood flow. Research is needed on the vasoconstrictive properties of cocaine and resultant consequences with regard to the pregnant female and pregnancy outcome. Some evidence suggests that pregnancy may predispose a woman to enhanced cardiotoxicity during pregnancy.