Download Tim Lempert Substance Abuse Dr Larowe 4/17/11 Phencyclidine

Tim Lempert
Substance Abuse
Dr Larowe
4/17/11
Phencyclidine, also commonly known as PCP is classified as a hallucinogen. Hallucinogens cause its users to
experience feelings of detachment from one’s surroundings, emotional swings and an altered sense of space and time.
The more intense effects include hallucinations, pseduohallucinations and illusions. The hallmark of the hallucinogen
experience is a sensation of separation from one’s body. Users typically experience jitteriness, racing heartbeat, nausea,
chills and changes in coordination.
PCP was originally marketed as a general anesthetic. It was patented in 1952 under the name Sernyl. Patients
experienced hallucinations and delirium unless given a valium like drug to minimize the effects. As a result of these
many times unpleasant effects, PCP is no longer used medically.
PCP works primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocking the activity of this particular receptor and like
many antiglutamatergic hallucinogens are significantly more dangerous than other categories of hallucinogens. Another
commonly used NMDA receptor antagonist drug is Ketamine, which is currently used as a cat tranquilizer. PCP acts like
amphetamines due by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine. There is also a decrease in the sensation of pain to a
varying extent. This is likely caused by an indirect interaction with the endogenous endorphin and enkephalin system.
The primary psychoactive effects of the drug commonly last for a few hours but total elimination from the body lasts
around 8 days. PCP is retained in the body’s fatty tissue and is broken down by the body’s metabolism.
PCP’s effects on brain activity are extremely complicated and produce states similar to getting drunk, taking
amphetamines and taking a hallucinogen simultaneously. Users typically take PCP not for its hallucinogen like
properties; rather they seek the amphetamine like euphoria and stimulation it provides.
Recreationally, PCP is commonly found in either powder or liquid form. It can be found in pills or capsules. In its
pure form, PCP is a yellow oil. From the oil form it is combined with hydrogen chloride gas or isopropyl alcohol saturated
with hydrochloric acid. This preparation results in white powder or crystals. In this form PCP is smoked and inhaled. In its
liquid form, cigarettes are usually dipped in the solution to be smoked. This method of administration is called “getting
wet” and dipped cigarettes usually range in the price of $10 to $25 per cigarette. A common dose is around 5 to 10
miligrams. This dosage typically lasts 4 to 6 hours in duration.
PCP has been known to alter mood states in an unpredictable fashion, causing some users to become detached,
while others experience a greater animation in behavior. Individuals under the influence of PCP can act in very
unpredictable ways, as they can be greatly influenced by their delusions and/or hallucinations. PCP can induce feelings
of great power, strength and invulnerability. In some users this combination leads to them committing in violent acts.
Certain personality types are more prone to violent behavior when under the influence of the drug, as they might
demonstrate impulsive behavior in an non-drugged state. Isolated incidents of bizarre violent behavior can also cause
many to believe that all users will experience the same effects, when in reality everyone is affected in unique ways.
Managing PCP intoxication consists mostly of supportive care. This is the need to monitor a user’s breathing,
circulation and body temperature. In the early stages of PCP intoxication it is important to treat the psychiatric
symptoms. This is done by administering Benzodiazepines such as loraepam. This results in the control of motor
agitation and seizures.
The negative effects of long term PCP usage can include a dangerous increase in body temperature, blood
pressure rising to a level that causes stroke, a cessation of breathing, or a prolonged period of seizure activity. Long term
use can also produce effects on the brain that mimic those found in individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.
For detailed user experiences, one can venture to erowid.org for personal accounts of drug induced behavior
and thoughts. Not apparently as addictive as other things, right? Sure sounds like I can mess you up, though, 5.0