Many believe PCP to be one of the most dangerous illicit drugs. Phencyclidine has central nervous system (CNS) sedative properties, and interactions with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, can lead to coma or accidental overdose. The effect can last from 4 to 8 hours, depending upon the dose consumed, but may have residual effects up to 24 hours.
When injected, effects can occur in 2 to 5 minutes. When smoked, peak effects occur in 15 to 30 minutes, and within 2 to 5 hours with oral use. The “high” effects of PCP occur quickly when smoked, typically within 2 to 5 minutes, and within one hour after oral use. PCP also disrupts glutamate, which modulates pain, memory, and emotions. Scientists believe PCP blocks the normal actions of certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which may result in the feeling of euphoria. On the street, PCP may contain any number of contaminants, leading to a tan to brown color with a powdery or gummy consistency. Physically, phencyclidine is a white crystal-like powder, dissolves in water or alcohol, and has a bitter medicinal taste. It is considered a hallucinogen and a dissociative drug. Phencyclidine is known chemically as 1-(1-phencyclohexyl) piperidine. PCP is most commonly bought as a powder or liquid. Supergrass, Killer Joints, and Fry Sticks are names used when phencyclidine is combined with marijuana and rolled into a cigarette (joint) for smoking. Phencyclidine is illicitly sold under a number of street names including: What are the streets names for phencyclidine? It can be bought in a crystallized or powdered form, as well, and inhaled up the nose (“snorted”). For smoking, PCP may be sprayed onto leafy material such as mint, parsley, oregano, or marijuana, and then rolled into a joint. The liquid form of the drug is phencyclidine base dissolved in a liquid solvent like ether, which is highly flammable. Smoking is the most common method of abusing PCP. PCP is usually abused by inhaling, smoking or swallowing. The effects of PCP can last for 4 to 8 hours, depending upon route. PCP is typically used in small quantities 5 to 10 mg is an average dose, although this can be highly variable. PCP can also be abused by injecting the drug, although this is uncommon. PCP is available in tablets, capsules, crystals, and colored powders, which are either taken by mouth or insufflated (“snorted”). PCP is considered a “dissociative” illicit drug due to its ability to distort sight, sounds, and lead to a feeling of detachment from one’s self. Today, PCP is abused for its mind altering effects, and it is no longer legally manufactured or used for medical purposes in the United States. Phencyclidine (PCP) was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous (IV) anesthetic however, due to the side effects of postoperative delirium, confusion, and hallucinations, its development for human medical use was discontinued. Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD.
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