Cocaine withdrawal, which occurs when a cocaine user stops ingesting the drug, affects the sufferer by producing severe feelings of craving, irritability, delayed depression, hallucinations and other symptoms. Those trying to wean themselves off this highly addictive drug often self-medicate to manage the symptoms of withdrawal, according to Drugs.com. Cravings and depression may last for months, and addicts may benefit from prescription medications to combat psychological factors that may undermine attempts to stop using cocaine.
Haloperidol
Haloperidol can ease some of the dissociative symptoms of cocaine withdrawal, including hallucinations. Physicians traditionally prescribe this medication to treat psychotic disorders, motor and verbal tics in Tourette's, and severe behavioral problems. It works by decreasing atypical excitement in the brain. Haloperidol's side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, increased saliva, blurred vision, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
Desipramine
People experiencing cocaine withdrawal often live with depression as a side effect. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends treating depression with pharmaceuticals like desipramine, an antidepressant, for three to nine months. Desipramine treats depression by increasing the amounts of natural substances occurring in the brain needed for mental balance. Side effects of desipramine include excessive sweating, nausea, drowsiness, nightmares, constipation and skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light.
Propranolol
The National Institute on Drug Abuse finds a blood pressure medication called propranolol may effectively treat cocaine withdrawal. Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocker, decreases the severity of withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and craving by hindering the effects of adrenaline in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Adrenaline may trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, particularly in response to cocaine withdrawal, a stressful situation for sufferers.
References
- Drugs.com: Cocaine withdrawal
- American Academy of Family Physicians: An Approach to Drug Abuse, Intoxication and Withdrawal
- National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: Haloperidol
- National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: Desipramine
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Blood Pressure Medication May Improve Cocaine Treatment Results in Patients With Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
