Cocaine withdrawal

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Cocaine withdrawal

Symptoms:

Primary symptoms may include depressed mood, fatigue, generalized malaise, vivid and unpleasant dreams, agitation and restless behavior, slowing of activity or increased appetite.

The craving and depression can last for months following cessation of long-term heavy (particularly daily) use. Withdrawal symptoms can also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some people.

During withdrawal, there can be powerful, intense cravings for cocaine. However, the "high" associated with ongoing use becomes less and less pleasant, and can produce fear and extreme suspicion rather than joy. Just the same, the cravings may remain powerful.

Signs and tests:

A physical examination and history of cocaine use are sufficient to diagnose this condition.

Review Date: 5/4/2004
Reviewed By: Ram Chandran Kalyanam, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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