PCP

abbreviation of Phencyclidine, byname Angel Dust, hallucinogenic drug with anesthetic properties, having the chemical name 1(1phencyclohexyl) piperidine. PCP was first developed in 1956 by Parke Davis Laboratories of Detroit, Mich., for use as an anesthetic in veterinary medicine, although it is no longer used in this capacity. It was also used for a brief time as a general anesthetic in humans; however, side effects ranging from distorted self-perception to severe disorientation and unpredictable, psychotic behaviour quickly discouraged its use. Because PCP is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture, an illicit drug trade sprang up during the mid-1960s, and violence related to the use of PCPincluding suicide and homicidegrew to alarming proportions in the 1970s and '80s. As with other hallucinogenic drugs, PCP does not cause physical dependence. In low doses, it produces effects similar to those of LSD, although violent and psychotic behaviour seem to be more characteristic of PCP. Most users do not have psychotic episodes, but the drug is extremely unpredictable. The PCP user exhibits emotional instability, excited intoxication, lack of coordination, high blood pressure, and increased deep-tendon muscle reflexes, and is often impervious to pain. At high doses, PCP is highly toxic and can cause convulsions and coma. The drug is typically smoked, mixed in powdered form with a leafy substance such as parsley, mint, tobacco, or marijuana; it may also be dissolved in a liquid and sprayed onto the leaves. It also can be injected or inhaled. The effects of PCP depend on the susceptibility of the user and other variables such as mood, dosage, and setting. Effects are evident one to two hours after ingestion and generally last four to six hours. Among chronic users, the reappearance of disorientation and visual, memory, and speech disorders has been noted. The drug accumulates in the body.