Pcp

• PCP (Phencyclidine) is a powerful dissociative anesthetic and hallucinogen, initially used in medicine but later withdrawn due to adverse effects.
• In medicine, PCP stands for Phencyclidine, a synthetic compound that alters perception, mood, and cognitive functions.
• The drug’s effects on the body can range from euphoria and detachment to severe paranoia, aggression, and psychotic episodes.
• PCP drug symptoms and risks include physiological changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as significant psychological dangers such as addiction and long-term mental health issues.
• Overdose can lead to seizures, coma, and life-threatening complications, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

What is PCP (Phencyclidine) and What Does it Stand For?

PCP (Phencyclidine) is a synthetic dissociative anesthetic that was first developed in the 1950s for use as an intravenous surgical anesthetic. However, its use in human medicine was quickly discontinued in the 1960s due to the severe and unpredictable side effects, including agitation, delirium, and hallucinations, that patients experienced during recovery. In the context of medicine, PCP stands for Phencyclidine, its full chemical name.

As a dissociative drug, PCP works by disrupting the normal functioning of brain chemicals, particularly by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. This action leads to a sense of detachment from one’s body and surroundings, often accompanied by distorted perceptions and a feeling of unreality. Due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use, PCP is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Effects of PCP on the Body: Symptoms and Risks

The effects of PCP on the body are highly variable, depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual factors. Users may experience a range of physiological and psychological changes, which can be unpredictable and dangerous. The immediate effects can manifest within minutes if smoked or injected, or within 30-60 minutes if ingested orally, and can last for several hours.

Common PCP drug symptoms and risks encompass both immediate and long-term concerns. These can be broadly categorized into physiological and psychological effects:

• Physiological Symptoms: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, rapid breathing, elevated body temperature (hyperthermia), numbness in extremities, blurred vision, dizziness, and slurred speech. At higher doses, seizures, coma, and respiratory depression can occur.
• Psychological Symptoms: Euphoria, detachment, distorted perceptions, anxiety, paranoia, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, and aggressive or violent behavior. Users may experience a profound sense of invulnerability.
• Risks: Overdose leading to life-threatening complications, addiction, persistent mental health issues (e.g., psychosis, depression, anxiety), cognitive impairments (memory loss, speech difficulties), and increased risk of accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), chronic PCP abuse can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, including memory loss, speech difficulties, and persistent anxiety or depression, even after discontinuing use. The impaired judgment and aggressive behavior induced by PCP can also put users and those around them at risk of accidents, injuries, or legal issues.