special subjects
Cocaine
Treatment ofCocaineIntoxication
Observation and monitoring until the person is sober Sometimes sedatives for agitation, high blood pressure, or seizures Psychotherapy (for addiction) Cocaineis a very short-acting drug, so treatment of uncomfortable reactions is usually not necessary. People who are very agitated or delirious or who have seizures or high blood pressure are given benzodiazepines (sedatives), such aslorazepam, intravenously. If sedatives do not control blood pressure, doctors may give nitrates or other antihypertensive medications intravenously. Doctors avoid antihypertensive medications called beta-blockers because they can worsen the effect ofcocaineon blood pressure. Hyperthermia should also be treated with cooling techniques, such as wetting and blowing air over the skin or using special cooling blankets. Stopping long-termcocaineuse may require close supervision because people can become depressed and suicidal. Entering a hospital or a drug treatment center may be necessary. The most effective method of treatingcocaineuse disorder is psychotherapy. Many self-help groups andcocainehotlines are available to help people remain free of the drug. use disorder, such as Depression , are treated with the appropriate drugs for those disorders. 