A comparison of the subjective and cardiovascular effects of cocaine and lidocaine in humans

Abstract

Four normal adult volunteers were given intravenous injections of 16, 32 and 48 mg cocaine, lidocaine, or saline, once daily. Heart rate, blood pressure and responses on the Profile of Mood States, Addiction Research Center Inventory, and a locally developed drug effects questionnaire were measured periodically before and after drug or placebo injection. The profile of action of cocaine was significantly different from that produced by lidocaine or placebo whereas the effects of lidocaine were indistinguishable from those of placebo.