How cocaine works in the brain

cocaine molecule

Cocaine hydrochloride (powder) is a catecholamine-like monoaminergic stimulant that blocks the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Cocaine’s molecular structure is chemically similar to endogenous dopamine. Similar structure causes the chemical to bind to dopamine transporters of dopaminergic terminals to blocks reuptake of DA, NE, and 5-Ht. The dopamine spike results in euphoria, hyperactivity, and increased focus. This quick dopamine hit gives cocaine its addiction potential as insufflation (snorting), injection, and smoking all deliver a fast rush of euphoria and energy which can cause psychological dependency. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) also increases sharply from cocaine ingestion which results in potentially dangerous heart rate increase, vasoconstriction, and tremors. The sharp Noradrenaline spike also contributes to the intensity of the initial “rush” quickly after ingestion.

Cocaine as an anesthetic

Cocaine is also an anesthetic similar to lidocaine which can numb anything the powder comes in contact with like nose, skin, mouth, and lung. Cocaine acts as an anesthetic because it blocks voltage gated sodium ion channels in nerve cells which increases the action potential threshold and slows the rate of depolarization. These shifts in action potential function makes physical sensation signals much less prevalent in the nerve cells cocaine touches.