title: Cocaine - Effects on Human Performance and Behavior.
abstract: A brief history of cocaine is provided followed by an overview of the pharmacology of cocaine. In addition to the mechanism of action, the effects of cocaine withdrawal and its effects in combination with ethanol are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the metabolism of cocaine and the interpretation of the concentration of cocaine and metabolites detected in various matrices. Consideration is given to stability of the drug, pathology, postmortem observations, passive and unknowing ingestion, and dermal exposure. A brief overview of analytical methodology is also presented. Finally, the effects of cocaine on driving are examined.
authors.affiliation: Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Isenschmid
keywords: Cocaine; driving; impairment; performance