Author: Gary Jackson

PCP Phencyclidine: 9 FAQs About Angel Dust

Benzodiazepines are also the first-line treatment for PCP-induced hypertension and seizures. Hyperthermia from PCP toxicity is due to psychomotor agitation and can be successfully treated with benzodiazepines as well. PCP, also known as 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl-piperidine), is a synthetic arycycloalkylamine created from piperidine and cyclohexanone.

• Benzodiazepines are also the first-line treatment for PCP-induced hypertension and seizures.
• Angel dust was originally developed in 1926 and introduced as a general anesthetic in the 1950s.
• Consuming embalming fluid can cause damage to body tissues, including the lungs and brain, inflammation, nose and throat sores, and cancer.
• PCP is a crystalline powder that can be ingested orally, injected intravenously, inhaled, or smoked.

This activity describes the presentation of patients with phencyclidine toxicity and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the management of these patients. To improve patient outcomes, clinicians need to be aware that many users do not only abuse one illicit agent but multiple agents. Thus, when patients are admitted with a drug overdose, a urinary drug screen should be performed for other illicit agents at the same time. PCP has sedative effects, and interactions with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, can lead to coma or accidental overdose. Many PCP users are brought to emergency rooms because of PCP’s unpleasant psychological effects or because of overdoses. In a hospital or detention setting, they often become violent or suicidal, and are very dangerous to themselves and to others.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

Poor judgment and reasoning skills, psychosis, paranoia, and self-injurious or violent action may occur in those already prone to these behaviors. The person may develop a type of psychosis similar to that seen in schizophrenia. When a person is addicted to the drug, they may spend significant time and money to obtain and use it. Dependence can also cause behavioral changes, such as using larger amounts of the drug more frequently than intended.

Ingesting PCP with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol or prescription tranquilizers, can lead to coma. A larger dose will have the opposite effect, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. The effects of PCP vary, depending upon the amount of active drug taken and how it is taken.

Treatment / Management

It also inhibits the action of glutamate by blocking NMDA receptors, which are responsible for pain sensation, emotions, learning, and memory functions. It inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Leafy plants such as mint, parsley or marijuana are often sprayed with the chemical, or a rolled joint is dipped into a PCP solution and then smoked. Phencyclidine (PCP) is a synthetic dissociative hallucinogenic. It causes sensory perception distortions, hallucinations, unusual sights, sounds, and colors. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information.

If you do decide to use PCP, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself safe. There are also many options available for support if you are concerned about your substance use. The reason for the time difference is how fast the substance enters your bloodstream. When taken orally, your digestive system processes it first, hence the longer onset time. If you ingest it orally, the effects take longer to kick in — usually 30 to 60 minutes.

Is there a risk of addiction?

PCP is a dangerous and addictive drug that can have severe long-term effects on the body and mind. While there’s no FDA-approved treatment for PCP addiction, the options above can aid in recovery. The long-term effects of PCP use include memory loss, depression, weight loss, and trouble with speaking or thinking. Users may also experience suicidal thoughts and social withdrawal. Symptoms presenting in a PCP user can mimic those of schizophrenia (e.g., delusions, paranoia, etc.).

People most often take this drug to chase the high that can make you feel detached from your body. PCP is known by many other names, including horse tranquilizer. Though it’s no longer approved for use in humans, it’s still sometimes used as a tranquilizer for animals.