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Jun 20, 2022 · PCP, or 1- (1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine hydrochloride, is a synthetic arylcycloalkylamine discovered in 1926 and a dissociative anesthetic. It is synthesized from piperidine and cyclohexanone [ 2 ]. It is a weak base with a pKa of 8.6 and is soluble in water and ethanol [ 3 ]. PCP is a stable white solid with a bitter taste.
- Overview
- What is PCP?
- What happens when someone takes PCP?
- Short-term effects
- Long-term health risks
- Withdrawal and treatment
- The bottom line
Phencyclidine, or PCP, also known as “angel dust,” is an illegal psychedelic drug that induces hallucinations and produces a feeling of detachment from oneself and one’s surroundings.
Originally developed in the 1950s as a surgical anesthetic, the drug was soon discontinued after it was found to cause agitation and mania, hallucinations, and irrational thinking in patients following its use.
The psychiatric effects vary widely, but it is considered dangerous, and its use has been linked to violent and aggressive actions, psychosis, and a risk of accidental death. An overdose can be life-threatening.
•PCP is a schedule II, hallucinogenic drug. A hallucinogen alters sensory perception, mood, and thought patterns.
•It has psychological effects and has been linked to bizarre, violent, and psychotic behavior.
•Suddenly stopping PCP use will lead to withdrawal symptoms, including craving and depression.
PCP appeared on the market in the 1950s as an anesthetic and tranquilizer known as Sernyl. It was discontinued in 1967 and limited to veterinary use only.
In 1979, legal manufacturing of PCP in the United States (U.S.) was suspended.
It is now a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., because it carries a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. A person may be imprisoned for making, distributing, possessing, and using it.
It is made illegally in secret laboratories, along with dozens of analogs (drugs that are chemically similar) available on the street. It is thought to be made primarily in the United States (U.S.), mostly in Southern California, but it is distributed across the country.
The following are street names for PCP:
•Angel dust
PCP affects multiple neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
It also inhibits the action of glutamate by blocking NMDA receptors, which are responsible for pain sensation, emotions, learning, and memory functions.
Interrupting these receptors allows the brain to disconnect from normal sensory experiences, or “reality.” In higher doses, however, it may also excite these receptors.
A typical dose is 5 to 10 milligrams, and 10 mg has been reported to cause stupor. The effects are felt 30 to 60 minutes after oral ingestion, or a few minutes after smoking. Immediate effects last 4 to 6 hours, but a return to a normal state can take up to 24 hours.
The effects of PCP vary, depending upon the amount of active drug taken and how it is taken.
An individual may use PCP because it produces euphoria, psychedelic effects, and a sense of calm. However, they may experience effects that they do not want.
Soon after taking a low dose, there may be a rise in blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate.
A larger dose will have the opposite effect, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
PCP can cause a person to experience:
•euphoria
Long-term effects include:
•stuttering and difficulty speaking
•problems with reasoning and memory
•anxiety and depression
•suicidal thoughts
•social isolation and withdrawal
The first step toward withdrawing from PCP is to seek supportive therapy.
Discontinuing PCP suddenly can produce withdrawal symptoms. Anyone seeking recovery from PCP use will need medical supervision and possibly hospitalization.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
•craving
•confusion
•depression
The extent of use of PCP appears to be falling. In 1979, 13 percent of high school students said they had tried PCP. By 1990, that figure had fallen to 3 percent.
Results of a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, published by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), show that, in 2015, 0.2 percent of 12- to 17- year olds had tried it at some time in their life.
Despite this fall in its use, PCP is still a matter of concern to health authorities and drug agencies.
Anyone who is concerned about substance use should speak to their primary care physician. A doctor can assist if any medical treatment is necessary, and they can also refer a person to available local services or support groups.
FAQs. PCP, also known as phencyclidine and angel dust, was originally developed as a general anesthetic but became a popular substance in the 1960s. It’s listed as a Schedule II drug in the ...
blurred vision. flicking up and down of the eyes. drooling. loss of balance and dizziness. violence, suicide. High doses of PCP can also cause seizures, coma, and death (often due to accidental injury or suicide during PCP intoxication). Psychological effects at high doses include delusions and hallucinations.
- What Are PCP's Effects on The Brain?Pharmacologically, PCP is a noncompetitive NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist and glutamate receptor antagonist, but also interacts wi...
- What Are The Effects of Recreational PCP use?Many believe PCP to be one of the most dangerous drugs of abuse. A moderate amount of PCP often causes users to feel detached, distant, and estrang...
- Can You Get Addicted to PCP?PCP is addictive and its use often leads to psychological dependence, craving, and compulsive PCP-seeking behavior. Long-time users of PCP report s...
- How Do You Treat A PCP Addiction?People who stop ongoing use of PCP experience drug cravings, increased appetite, headaches, sleepiness, depression, and sweating as common withdraw...
May 5, 2023 · Symptoms of PCP are similar to symptoms of other types of pneumonia. They can include: difficulty breathing. cough. fever. chills. chest pain. fatigue. It’s a good idea to contact a healthcare ...
Mar 3, 2024 · Pneumocystis jirovecii is an atypical yeast-like fungus of the genus Pneumocystis 10 that was previously thought to be a protozoan. Histology of infected lung demonstrates intra-alveolar eosinophilic masses with a foamy appearance, due to small cysts within which the Pneumocystis jirovecii organism is found 9 .
Jan 9, 2024 · TREATMENT. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole — We recommend trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) as the treatment of choice for PCP of any severity in patients without HIV ( table 1) [ 1 ]. The dose of TMP-SMX for patients with normal renal function is 15 to 20 mg/kg (dosing is based upon the TMP component and expressed as mg/kg per day of TMP ...
