PhencyclidinePhencyclidine, Phencyclidine Hydrochloride, Phenyl Cyclohexyl Piperidine, Sernylan
Angel Dust, Dust, Super Weed, Killer Weed, PCP, Elephant, Embalming Fluid, Hog, PCE, Rocket Fuel, TCP
PCP or Phencyclidine is a single drug that forms a distinct category of its own. This is because the effects it produces are unlike any other drug. Sometimes PCP acts like an hallucinogen; and it is frequently classified as a hallucinogen in medical texts and scientific research reports. It can also act as a stimulant or depressant.
The formal chemical name for this drug is Phenyl Cyclohexyl Piperidine, from which the initials PCP are derived. "Phencyclidine" is simply a contracted form of the actual chemical name. PCP was first developed as an anesthetic for humans in 1959. Its use was discontinued a few years later due to its extreme side effects, which included delirium and confusion. In the early 1960s PCP was brought back to medical use as a veterinary anesthetic under the trade name Sernylan.
Among PCP's least desirable side effects are delirium, visual disturbances and hallucinations and, occasionally, violence. Some evidence of long term memory disorders and psychological disturbances resembling schizophrenia has also been linked to PCP. Many PCP users ingest their drugs by smoking. PCP can be applied in either liquid or powder form to a variety of vegetable or leafy substances, such as mint leaves, parsley, oregano, tobacco, or marijuana. When applied to marijuana the street name for this mixture is "Killer Weed" or "Super Weed." The substances then can be smoked in a pipe or cigarette. Because PCP smoke is very hot and can irritate the mouth and tongue, many users prefer to use mint leaves and similar material to cool the smoke. For the same reason PCP smokers who adulterate commercial cigarettes prefer to use mentholated brands. PCP produces impairments and other observable effects on the human mind and body that are a combination of effects produced by depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens.
As with many other drugs, regular users of PCP may have developed a tolerance to the drug that masks some of the observable signs of PCP's effects. When smoked or injected, PCP's effects generally last 4-6 hours, but they can last longer. PCP can also enter the body by absorption through the skin.
One possible result of PCP overdose is bizarre, violent and self-destructive behavior. PCP can also produce extreme physical as well as psychological distress. PCP can cause a deep coma, lasting up to 12 hours, seizures and convulsions, respiratory depression, and possible cardiac problems.
