The following effects are a generalisation. It should be remembered that the effects of a substance vary between individuals and are influenced by a number of factors only some of which relate to the drug itself.

Short-term effects of cocaine include one or more of the following:

• Increased energy levels
• More alert
• Euphoria
• Exhilaration
• Pain relief
• Excitement
• Increased confidence, superiority
• Hallucinations
• Increased heart rate and temperature
• Anxiety, panic and irritability
• Headache
• Paranoia
• Dizziness and nausea
• Trembling
• Heart attack
• Muscle twitches

Some people also report longer term effects such as sleep disturbance, weight loss, reduced libido, muscle twitching, headaches and chest pain.

There are a range of other effects related to the method of taking the drug including the risk of significant harm due to injecting cocaine.