What Causes Hallucinations After Using Cocaine?

Posted on Sat, 15 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 15 Oct 2016 Answered on

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I take Venlafaxine extended release for vertiginous migraines. It stops them 100%, which is a life saver for me as the headaches are disabling.. I was at a private party and some cocaine in the form of crack was passed around. At first I just felt silly and happy. But fairly quickly I started to hallucinate and I thought I was asleep and having vivid dream. I'm scared now to restart it but of course will not ever smoke that stuff again, It was new to me.
I assume the serotonin levels got so high it did this to me ? is that true?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hallucination is a common side effect of cocaine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

Hallucination after cocaine use is very common. It is due to Dopamine increase in brain. Serotonin and Norepinephrine are other neurotransmitters affected by cocaine but Dopamine is responsible for Hallucinations.

You have decided not to try cocaine again that is good idea.

You can continue venlafaxine without any problem.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar