Phencyclidine

Also known as:  Angel Dust;  Peace Pill;  PCP;  Sernyl;  Sernylan

Phencyclidine is a type of Psychedelic Anesthetic Recreational Drug.  Chemically, it is a Phenylcyclohexylamine Derivative and is structurally similar to Ketamine.  PCP was originally used as a Pharmaceutical Anaesthetic but was abandoned due to its serious toxic effects.

 PCP was (in the 1980s) one of the most abused drugs in the USA, however its illicit usage is steadily declining.

Nervous System

 Phencyclidine may cause Confusion.

 Phencyclidine may cause Delirium.

 Phencyclidine may cause Hallucinations

 By activating PCP Receptors located within the body's N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptors, Phencyclidine interferes (blocks) the normal function of the body's NMDA Receptors (this mechanism is the underlying process by which Phencyclidine attains its biochemical effects within the body).

 Phencyclidine causes many psychiatric reactions that resemble those associated with Schizophrenia (including Agitation, Excitement, Disorientation, Disorganized Thought processes, Paranoia).

 Phencyclidine is readily absorbed and bioavailable when consumed orally, smoked, snorted or injected intravenously.

 When smoked peak toxic effects of PCP occur in approximately 15 minutes.