At a glance
| Active ingredient | Cocaine Also: coke, crack, freebase, coca, coke |
|---|---|
| Start of effect | after approx. 3 minutes (sniffing), faster when smoking (crack/freebase) and injecting |
| Duration of action | approx. 1-2 hours |
Effects and possible side effects
| Typical during the effect |
|
|---|---|
| What can also happen |
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After-effect
| When the effect wears off |
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|---|
Long-term consequences
| Possible consequences of frequent consumption |
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|---|---|
| Important to know |
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Interactions with other drugs
| Uppers (e.g. speed, crystal, caffeine, ecstasy) |
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|---|---|
| Alcohol |
|
Interactions with other medications
| Blood pressure medication (including some beta blockers) |
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|---|
Interactions with HIV drugs
| NNRTIs | Efavirenz (e.g. Sustiva®, Atripla® and generics) Nevirapine (e.g. Viramune® and generics)
|
|---|---|
| Booster (active ingredient booster) | Trade names: Norvir®, Tybost®
|
Health tips & safer use
- Give yourself a break: Cocaine is quickly addictive. Therefore, take conscious breaks from time to time.
- No mixed consumption: It is best not to combine cocaine with other drugs or alcohol.
- Be careful during sex: Cocaine can make you more aggressive and reduce your sensitivity to pain. This makes it easier to cause injuries through which HIV or hepatitis can be transmitted. Use condoms or gloves (e.g. when fisting) and make clear agreements beforehand.
- Clean cutlery: Snorting is less risky than injecting. However, make sure you use your own tube when snorting.
- HIV drugs: If you are taking protease inhibitors, you should take lower doses of cocaine. With drugs such as Sustiva®, Atripla® or Viramune®, it is safer to avoid cocaine altogether.
Easy language
This page is about Cocaine.
Cocaine is a drug. Many people take cocaine to feel awake or strong.
But cocaine can also Very dangerous be.
- Cocaine can put a heavy strain on the heart.
- Blood pressure may rise.
- You can become anxious or very restless.
- You can become addicted.
When the effect is over, many people feel
- Very tired
- sad or empty
- irritable or anxious
It is particularly dangerous to mix cocaine with Alcohol or other drugs.
If you are on medication, cocaine can be even more dangerous.
You don't have to know everything or make perfect decisions. The important thing is Take good care of yourself.
Frequently asked questions about cocaine
Cocaine works quickly and intensively - but not without risks. In this FAQ you will find answers to frequently asked questions about effects, consumption, safer use and health consequences.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant. It can make you euphoric, alert and self-confident in the short term. At the same time, pulse and blood pressure rise significantly, the heart is under a lot of strain and the ability to assess risks can diminish.
The effect usually sets in after a few minutes and lasts for about 1-2 hours on. This is often followed by a so-called CrashExhaustion, depression, irritability or a strong desire to consume again.
Yes, cocaine increases the risk of Cardiac arrhythmia, heart attacks and strokes - even in young, otherwise healthy people. The risk increases with high doses, frequent use or combination with other substances.
Yes, cocaine can be both Psychologically dependent as well as lead to a strong craving. Regular consumption can change the psyche, increase anxiety and favour depressive phases.
Cocaine use is not entirely without risk. If used, it can help:
not to be consumed alone
Take breaks and listen to your body
drink enough (non-alcoholic)
Avoid mixed consumption as far as possible
get help at an early stage in the event of unusual symptoms
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