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Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust) is most often smoked after being sprinkled on plant material, such as parsley, mint leaves, tobacco, or marijuana. Occasionally PCP is taken by mouth or injected.
Symptoms and
Complications
PCP depresses brain function, and users usually become confused and disoriented shortly after taking the drug. They may not know where they are, who they are, or what time or day it is. They may go into a trance as if hypnotized. PCP users can be combative, and because they do not feel pain, they may continue fighting even when hit hard. Salivation, sweating, blood pressure, and heart rate also increase. Muscle tremors (shaking) are common. High doses can cause hallucinations, seizures, a life-threatening high fever (hyperthermia), coma, and possibly death. Long-term PCP use may damage the brain, kidneys, and muscles.
Treatment
When PCP users become agitated (as most do when brought for treatment), they are put in a quiet room and allowed to relax, although their blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are monitored frequently. Soothing talk does not help; in fact, the person may become even more agitated. If quiet surroundings do not calm an agitated person, the doctor may give a sedative such as diazepam. The treatment of an adverse reaction may require drugs to lower high blood pressure or to stop seizures. The stomach may be pumped and drugs given to hasten the excretion of PCP from the body.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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