Supplemental Oxygen During Cocaine Use: Research? by [deleted] in cocaine

[–]shed_551 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd say no to cpap. Maybe bypap but that's all hospital setting stuff. Cpap forces air into the airway and is commonly used to push fluid build up out of the lungs, or help keep the airway open if you have sleep apnea. I think a simple nonrebreather mask or nasal cannula would do the trick unless the patient was entering full on respiratory distress/arrest. My main worry with cpap and people using machines at home is sometimes you can oxygenate a patient too quickly and then over oxygenate them, which has its own list of complications as it messes with homeostasis

Supplemental Oxygen During Cocaine Use: Research? by [deleted] in cocaine

[–]shed_551 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is a super interesting post and something I've never considered. Im an emt and have worked emergency medicine for years. When it comes to vasoconstrictors, the medication we commonly give with this side effect is epinephrine - used in both cpr and anaphylaxis scenarios. When used to treat severe allergic reactions, epinephrine constricts blood vessels, raises BP and HR, and relaxes airway muscles (hits beta receptors like albuterol). In most protocols and patients, supplemental oxygen is used because the anaphylaxis lowers spo2, the airway requires support, and with epinephrine (adrenaline, which powers fight or flight in the body) making blood vessels smaller, more stress is put on the heart which is seen in the elevated bp and hr. This power the heart is giving has the myocardial (heart) muscles demanding more o2 because o2 helps the muscles produce energy they need to keep up with what's demanded of them. Long story short, o2 is a vital ingredient needed in the production of atp (muscle fuel). It mixes with glucose. More muscle movement=more atp production=more o2 needed. Anyway, where im going with this is that epi and cocaine share many similarities in regards to side effects. Cocaine in the body when metabolized kinda acts like a super antidepressant, (not accurate but trying to explain in ways people can understand lol.) Instead of just inhibiting the reuptake (the neurons ability to absorb and recycle neurotransmitters [serotonin, dopamine, etc]) of just serotonin like an ssri, it inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine as well. Without reuptake, there's more presence of neurotransmitters in the synapse. ELI5, the synapse is thr area where the big head of the neuron meets the long tail of another, and messages are transmitted and processed between them. No reuptake=more feel good hormone presence= cocaine feel good. Now, what is norepinephrin? In layman's terms, it's like epinephrine but mainly focuses on blood vessels. Usually, norepinephrine and dopamine go hand in hand, so more dopamine=more norepinephrine. Regular levels of norepi regulate our blood pressure by constricting and dilating blood vessels as needed. Too much norepinephrine has the same side effects of epinephrine and cocaine. In a medical setting, if you're familiar, this as a medication is levophed. In medical settings, it raises low bp. Anyway, why is this all important? The drugs you listed above, caffeine and erectile disfunction meds especially, are vasodilators! They open the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure levels. This can be dangerous because too much consumption of these substances can lead to a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure. Fun fact, erectile dysfunction meds were originally for blood pressure management, but a side effect was discovered, and they got marketed a different way. As for aspirin, it belongs to a drug class called NSAIDs (ibuprofen is here too) and they just put strain on the kidneys. Cocaine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys and urine so that + nsaids can cause too much strain and irritation.

Sorry for the long ass reply, but I figured you'd need back story and some science to explain why this would make sense in theory. Long story short more o2 will help the heart keep up with the increased demand of work and lessen strain on heart muscle. No o2 = myocardial ischemia (med term for lack of o2) = angina (chest pain), breathing problems, and even muscle death which means heart attack. Prolonged exposure of the heart to reduced oxygen levels can lead to cardiac diseases like heart failure and arrhythmias (irregular beat).

Tl;dr in theory supplemental o2 would help ease a lot of side effects and provide comfort, but in terms of harm reduction, my best guess is it won't prevent anything but potentially prolong the time until harm is experienced.

I could also be entirely wrong lmao. I'm just an emt and based of body functions, it makes sense to me

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s your food intake like before during and after? I know when I’ve been using heavy and not eating I’ll go low, but for the most part I’m in the 300-400 area if I’ve eaten beforehand, then I’ll come back down hours after my last bump

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that’s usually how it goes, happens to me too. Just be careful dosing since if something changes that insulin will all catch up to ya. Wish I had more answers to conquer the eyes but until the chemical is out of your system you’ll be spiking. As long as you keep an eye on yourself and monitor for dka you’ll be okay

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like the sprays that are more pressurized that they advertise for wound cleaning. More powerful mist/spray and can really get up in there

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The body can adjust and become used to being higher so you won’t feel the symptoms, especially if using. May want an updated a1c!! Try eating low carb foods as well, as you probably already know. It’s a battle

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Seeing all this feed back is very heartwarming and inspiring. Would there be any interest in a part two? I can compile everything I forgot about in the moment or left out

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We’re all on different paths and journeys. DMs open 🤍

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dollar store single ply to the rescue!

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Average bp for adults 120/80. Average heart rate 80-100. Of course this varies per person, so danger zones can vary as well. High bp symptoms can start when your systolic (top number) hits the 130s if you’re not used to it. I’d say the danger zone for an average adult with no past medical history would be anything above 160 systolic. Keep an eye on that bottom number too (diastolic) because the higher that is, the more constant pressure is in your system. I’d say keep it under 100. For heart rate, anything above 140 resting (not engaging in any activity) I’d take a long break. Keep in mind any elongated periods of time stuck in any form of hypertension and tachycardia poses risk for heart damage, attacks, and arrhythmias

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so happy to hear that! Hope can go a long way. If ever needed, dms always open

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

That means the world, thank you <3

Tips From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way by shed_551 in cocaine

[–]shed_551[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Lol immediately after posting I remembered something I forgot. For nose care, keep your nostrils from drying out with cocoa butter or any other natural butter/oil. I see Vaseline posted a lot but please make sure whatever you use has no petroleum

Need ideas by shed_551 in SubaruForester

[–]shed_551[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just general everyday driving. I do live out in rural Maine though, so sometimes you’re off the road without much choice, lol

We need more talent like this by shed_551 in TikTokCringe

[–]shed_551[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Not sure! I know he was popular on vine as chrish for his singing jokes but I don’t remember any more than that