PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP) By: Liz Masterson

PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP) Names

PCP stands for 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine, the systematic (IUPAC) name for the drug phencyclidine. The chemical formula of PCP is C17H25N.

Angel Dust

Hog

Ozone

Rocket Fuel

Shermans

Wack

PCP combined with marijuana include Killer Joints, Super Grass, Fry, Wets, and Waters.

Changed people into the ‘‘living dead’’

Its street use occurred initially in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco, which had become world famous as the psychedelic capital.

Classification

hallucinogen

Dissociative Anesthetic

depressant or stimulant

Schedule II

a central nervous system excitant

History

developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic.

promise for use in humans during surgery b/c of its strong numbing effect.

1960s, PCP's dangerous side effects began to be noticed.

PCP's primary action is dissociative- it makes the mind feel separated from the body.

PCP was used in veterinary medicine but was never approved for human use b/c of problems that arose during clinical studies

In 1978, all legal manufacture of PCP was stopped in the U.S.

Illegal laboratories

Production

synthetic substance- made in a laboratory.

ingredients used in its manufacture are completely artificial and not found in nature.

Powerful odor

manufacture of PCP is a two-stage reaction.

First, PCC is created by reacting piperidine, cyanide, and cyclohexane.

This product is then reacted with phenylmagnesium bromide to form the final product.

total reaction time for completion requires 16 to 18 hours.

Los Angeles Street Gangs and big cities have higher usage rates

Users

Since PCP is only made illegally, there is no way to know exactly how much PCP is actually being taken, making the use of this drug particularly dangerous.

estimated 6 million U.S. residents aged 12 and older used PCP at least once in their lifetime.

More than 3 percent of high school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in their lifetime

PCP is an addictive drug

produced in liquid, powder, and tablet form: It is smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed.

term for PCP addicts is "dusters."

Affects/Risks Most first-time users experience a bad “trip” and never use it again, but

persistent abuse can cause permanent damage.

Physical effects include:* Shallow breathing* Profuse sweating* Nausea and vomiting* Drooling* Loss of balance and dizziness* Slurred speech

Psychological effects include:* Unpredictable and often violent behavior* Increased risk of suicide* Mood changes* Anxiety

Long-term effects include:* Addiction* Memory loss* Difficulty with speech or thought* Depression* Weight loss* Flashbacks* Mood disorders

PCP affects multiple neurotransmitter systems in the brain.

Detection

Substance: Urine Hair Saliva

PCP

1 to 5 days;

Chronic Use: up to 30 days

up to 90 days

24 to 36 hours

Legal Consequences/ Treatment

manufacture, sale, use, & possession of PCP are illegal in the U.S. and the U.K.

In the U.S., first-time offenders may end up in prison for 5-45 years and be fined up to $4 million

Repeat offenders can face a penalty of 20 yrs.- life in prison and fines of up to $8 million.

The treatment for PCP involves detoxification, or withdrawal.