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What Causes Increased Heart Rate And Irregular Beats Post Intake Of Cocaine?
Question: I have a friend who tried coke for the first time. He snorted 1/2 gram and drank 2 shots on 12 pm yesterday. Today he say he is experiencing slightly increased heart rate, no chest pains or heaviness, no shortness of breathe. Is he overdosing or just anxiety and need to relax?
Brief Answer:
Symptoms after many hours are less likely due to the drug.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Cocaine can cause increase in heart rate and irregular beats. But these occur within an hour in most cases and the slight increase in heart rate is less likely to be due to an adverse reaction. It can also produce anxiety and panic .
If he has the symptoms today after using the drug yesterday, it is more likely to be due to anxiety and he should relax.
If he does not and if there are irregular heart beats, he may require to be seen by a doctor.
Symptoms after many hours are less likely due to the drug.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Cocaine can cause increase in heart rate and irregular beats. But these occur within an hour in most cases and the slight increase in heart rate is less likely to be due to an adverse reaction. It can also produce anxiety and panic .
If he has the symptoms today after using the drug yesterday, it is more likely to be due to anxiety and he should relax.
If he does not and if there are irregular heart beats, he may require to be seen by a doctor.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Any suggestion on relaxing or over the counter meds that wont effect him
Brief Answer:
Inderal would help
Detailed Answer:
His increased heart rate is due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This can be toned down with small dose of Inderal like 10mg twice a day if he does not have asthma. Eating healthy wholesome food, exercising 30 minutes a day, practicing yoga or relaxation techniques would help him relax
Inderal would help
Detailed Answer:
His increased heart rate is due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This can be toned down with small dose of Inderal like 10mg twice a day if he does not have asthma. Eating healthy wholesome food, exercising 30 minutes a day, practicing yoga or relaxation techniques would help him relax
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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