From the Research
NSAIDs can potentially potentiate the toxic effects of cocaine, making this combination dangerous, and individuals using cocaine should avoid taking any NSAIDs before, during, or after cocaine use. The interaction between NSAIDs and cocaine is concerning due to their combined effects on cardiovascular function, with cocaine increasing heart rate and blood pressure while constricting blood vessels, and NSAIDs interfering with blood pressure regulation and increasing cardiovascular risks 1. Additionally, both substances can cause kidney damage, with cocaine reducing blood flow to kidneys and NSAIDs potentially impairing kidney function. The combination may also worsen cocaine's neurotoxic effects.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the risks of combining NSAIDs and cocaine include:
- The potential for increased cardiovascular risk, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure
- The possibility of worsening neurotoxic effects
- The importance of avoiding NSAIDs in individuals using cocaine to minimize the risk of serious complications
- The need for healthcare providers to be aware of the potential risks associated with concomitant use of NSAIDs and cocaine, as highlighted in studies such as 1, which found that concomitant use of antidepressants and NSAIDs moderately elevated the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
It is essential to prioritize the safety of individuals using cocaine and avoid any potential interactions that could increase their risk of harm. The safest approach is to avoid cocaine entirely, but those who use cocaine should specifically avoid taking any NSAIDs before, during, or after cocaine use. This recommendation is based on the potential risks associated with combining these substances, as highlighted in the available evidence 1.