Phencyclidine or phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP), is also known in its use as a street drug as angel dust among other names. It is a dissociative anaesthetic that can stop people from feeling pain but also causes hallucinations.
This drug was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anaesthetic, but its use for humans was discontinued because it caused patients to become agitated, delusional and irrational. Today individuals abuse PCP because of the mind-altering and hallucinogenic effects it produces.
PCP differs from ketamine in that it more likely to cause seizures and tends to cause more confusion and delirium. PCP is a noncompetitive antagonist at the glutamate NMDA receptor and binds to sites located in the cortex and limbic structures of the brain.
Dangers of PCP
PCP is an addictive drug which can results in psychological dependence, craving and compulsive behaviours. It produces unpleasant psychological effects and users often become violent or suicidal.
PCP poses particular risks for young people. Even moderate use of the drug can negatively affect the hormones associated with normal growth and development. PCP use also can impede the learning process in teenagers.
High doses of PCP can cause seizures, coma and be fatal, often as a consequence of accidental injury or suicide whilst under the drug’s influence. At high doses, its effects may resemble the symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including delusions and paranoia.
Long-term use of PCP can lead to depression, memory loss, difficulty with speech or thought and weight loss. These problems can persist for up to a year after an individual has stopped using this drug.
Alternative street names for PCP
Cannabis or tobacco cigarettes that are dipped in PCP are called illy, wet, or fry. The most common name for PCP is angel dust. Other names include:
- Animal tranquiliser
- Black dust
- Boat
- Cliffhanger
- Crystal t
- Dipper
- Dust joint
- Embalming fluid
- Goon dust
- Happy sticks
- Horse tranquilizer
- Kools
- Lethal weapon
- Magic dust
- Magic dust
- O.P.P.
- Ozone
- Paz
- Peter Pan
- Rocket fuel
- Shermans
- Trank
- Wack
NOTE: The drugs tramadol, dextromethorphan, alprazolam, clonazepam and carvedilol can cause false positive urine tests for PCP.
Related subjects
- Medications
- Neurological disorders
- Recreational drugs