Cardiovascular and Subjective Effects of Intravenous Cocaine Administration in Humans

TLDR

Nine volunteers received intravenous cocaine (4–32 mg) and 10 mg dextroamphetamine, with cardiovascular and subjective responses recorded. Heart rate, blood pressure, and mood scores rose dose‑dependently, reaching a plateau around 16 mg of cocaine, and 10 mg dextroamphetamine produced effects similar to 8–16 mg of cocaine.

Abstract

• Nine volunteer subjects were tested with intravenously administered cocaine hydrochloride in doses ranging from 4 to 32 mg, as well as 10 mg of dextroamphetamine sulfate. Measures of cardiovascular and subjective effects were made. Generally parallel dose-effect functions were obtained for heart rate, blood pressure, Addiction Research Center Inventory scores, Profile of Mood Scales, and subject ratings. A substantial effect on each of these variables was recorded after 8 mg of cocaine. The increase continued and peaked at approximately 16 mg after which it usually leveled off. Ten milligrams of dextroamphetamine generally had an effect comparable to 8 to 16 mg of cocaine.