What is cocaine made up of? The drug, which appears to have an extremely complicated chemical makeup, comes from the leaves of the coca plant. The plant is native to South America, and becomes a powerful stimulant, but also one of the most addictive drugs. In the ancient past, natives in South America used this coca for religion and medicine.
The drug cocaine is also known by its chemical name, which is “[1R-(exo,exo)]-3-(Benzoyloxy)-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester”. The drug also has alternative chemical names, and these are [3beta-hydroxy-1alphaH, 5alphaH-tropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester benzoate and 2beta-carbomethyoxy-3beta-benzoxytropane, ecgonine methyl ester benzoate], as well as [ l-cocaine, beta-cocaine, benzoylmethyl-ecgonine. The chemical formula of cocaine is C17H21NO4. This drug has a molecular weight of 303.36, and has various melting points, depending on the various chemicals in the drug. These are melting points of 98° for the monoclinic tablets, 195° for the Hydrochloride, and 58-63° for the Nitrate dehydrate.
When it was discovered that this natural plant was a stimulant, the natives decided to use it to get rid of fatigue and hunger, or even to boost people’s endurance. At first, the Spanish banned coca because of its effect on the natives. When it was discovered that the natives were actually addicted to the plant, and could not work without it, they started to give the drug to the natives many times a day so that they could do their work.
The effects of cocaine are caused by the interference of information transmission between the nerve cells. The drug is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it narrows the blood vessels. It will also increase the respiration rate and body temperature of those that are using it.
The drug cocaine has physical effects that include increased blood pressure, breathing rates, and heart rates. These symptoms might lead to heart attack, respiratory failure and distress or seizures. There are also affects that are found inside the body. The brain’s wiring is damaged, as are the systems that control the rates of the movements inside the body. The damaging of these important functions is what leads to an overall deterioration of the body.
Recovery from cocaine addiction can be difficult, a drug rehab program can assist in the withdrawal and recovery from cocaine addiction.