Cocaine Abuse

Main Concepts:

Notable Features:

High Yield:

• Erythema of the nasal mucosa is a diagnostic hallmark of cocaine use. In severe cases, there may also be perforation of the nasal septum.

• Cocaine abuse should be suspected in individuals with weight loss, behavioral changes, and erythema of the nasal mucosa. There are often mood changes such as euphoria and irritability.

• Patients have increased energy, decreased appetite, and reduced need for sleep due to cocaine's stimulant properties.

• Other psychiatric symptoms include: psychosis, grandiosity, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Other: