The Impact of Drugs on Body Temperature: Shivering, Warm Sensation, and Tachycardia

Drugs can have a profound impact on our body temperature, leading to varied and sometimes paradoxical sensations. This article delves into the effects of certain drugs, including benzodiazepines, ecstasy, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and stimulants, on body temperature, heart rate, and sensations such as cold shivers and warm tingles. Understanding these effects can help in comprehending how drugs influence our physiological responses.

Benzodiazepines: Disinhibition and Warm Fuzzy Effects

Benzodiazepines, a class of drugs commonly used for anxiety and sleep disorders, can have significant effects on an individual's state of mind. One user, in a first-person account, described an experience with benzodiazepines that was quite unique. After undergoing regional anesthesia for surgery and singing during the process due to the disinhibiting effects of the drug, they had to be sedated with pentothal for the next surgery. The effects of pentothal were quite different. It felt like a warm, soothing sensation, akin to the feeling of a bed warming up on a cold winter night. The use of such vivid descriptions can help readers understand the physical and sensory changes experienced under the influence of these drugs.

Ecstasy and Sensory Responses

Ecstasy, or MDMA, is known for its euphoric and touchy-feely effects. For some users, cold sweats are a common side effect, but during the peak of the experience, users often feel an intense and pleasant warmth. One user recounts their experience with ecstasy, noting the touchy-feely sensations and the desire to shower and rub soap all over themselves after the experience, evidencing the intense positive sensations associated with the drug. This conflicting feeling of cold and warmth highlights the complexity of how drugs can affect different individuals and aspects of the body.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Opioid withdrawal can be a grueling process, marked by a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Among these is the experience of shivering and goose bumps, along with a sensation of feeling both hot and cold. These symptoms can be further exacerbated by increased sweating, a runny nose, watery eyes, and diarrhea. This makes it clear that the body is undergoing significant changes during withdrawal, reflecting the drug's powerful impact on the system.

Serotonin-Enhancing Drugs (Methamphetamine and MDMA)

Methamphetamines, such as methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy), are stimulants known for causing an increased heart rate, along with a warm sensation in the upper chest. These drugs also result in shivering, a phenomenon referred to as diver in slang terms. Methamphetamines and MDMA are part of a broader category of drugs that includes cocaine and similar substances. The temperature and environment play crucial roles in these sensations, making the experience even more complex and varied.

Stimulants and Body Temperature Regulation

Stimulants, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, a-PVP, and ethylphenidate, can cause tachycardia and changes in body temperature. These changes are significant as they can affect how the body responds to external stimuli. The physiological effects of stimulants highlight the intricate connection between the brain and the body's temperature regulation mechanisms.

The experiences described here, whether from benzodiazepines, ecstasy, or stimulants, underscore the complex and often paradoxical ways in which drugs can affect the body's temperature and overall sensations. Understanding these effects can help in comprehending the broader impact of drug use on human physiology.