PCP, also called angel dust, which is Phencyclidin, is also considered to be a widely used hallucinogenic drug. In its pure form it is a water soluble powder. It is often mixed with other drugs such as marijuana. In terms of purchasing it on the street, generally it can be found in powder form, tablet form and also in liquid form. A typical street dose is about 5 mg. but confiscated street samples have revealed that purity can run from 5% to 100% depending on the form. This wide variance can create a tremendous risk for the user.
PCP is most commonly ingested orally, smoked, snorted, but can even be inserted vaginally. The mode of administration dramatically alters the onset of effects. Chronic use leads to persistent memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, and weight loss. Symptoms have been known to last for up to one year after drug use is stopped.
PCP can create lethal complications, and currently there is no treatment available to block its effects, so treatment for overdose must focus on symptom control. Close observation of PCP toxic patients must continue for days, as PCP levels can continue unevenly for hours or even days after last dosage. PCP appears to have no potential for physical dependency but shows a high potential for psychological dependency.
Common PCP effects:
Increase in respiration rate
Significant rise in blood pressure and heart rate
Shallow respiration
Flushing and profuse sweating
Dilation of pupils
Numbness in the extremeties
Lack of coordination
- Change in mood and body awareness
High doses can cause:
Significant decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and respiration
Nausea and vomiting
Blurred vision
Fluttering of eye lids
Loss of balance
Drooling
Seizure
Coma
Death
Hallucinations
Garbled speech
Symptoms of schizophrenia including delusions, paranoia, thought disorder, etc.
- Self-harm and acting out to harm others is a significant risk.