1. PCP
BY CHRIS WILSON

2. The Basics
 PCP stands for Phenylcyclidine, created when piperidine, cyanide, and cyclohexanone react to
form a compound called PCC, which when reacted with phenylmagnesium bromide form PCP
 It comes as either a white crystalline powder, sometimes made brown or tan by contaminants,
or a yellow-tinged liquid
 Originally created as an anesthetic for use during surgery but discontinued in the 60’s due to
its extensive side effects (delirium, psychosis, hallucinations, and several other similar
conditions)
 Schedule II Controlled Substance

3. Methods of Administration
 Intravenous
 Snorting
 Smoking
 Swallowing

4. Slang Terms
 Amp
 Angel Dust
 Dust
 Hog
 Lovely
 Whack
 Boat
 PeaCe Pill
 Embalming Fluid
 Killer Weed
 Rocket Fuel
 Supergrass
 Supercools
 TicTac
 Tranq

5. Side Effects
LONG-TERM
 Addiction
 Memory Loss
 Speech Difficulty
 Depression
Weight Loss
 Mood Disorders
SHORT-TERM
 Shallow Breathing
 Profuse Sweating
 Flushing
 Psychosis
 Aggression
 Violence
 Loss of Coordination
 Hallucinations

6. Pictures

7. Quote
“Long-term psychological effects are possible and PCP may precipitate a psychotic reaction
lasting a month or more that clinically appears like schizophrenia.” This is the quote I decided to
pull from my National Highway Traffic Administration source, and with good reason. It seems out
of the realm of possibility that somebody would knowingly ingest a drug that, when used more
than a couple times, can produce side effects that mimic those of schizophrenia. It seems like
people are actively seeking out ways to destroy their lives. From smoking cigarettes to ingesting
drugs, people are constantly shortening our already relatively short life spans. We need to focus
on healthier things in life to relieve our stress such as hiking on a warm, sunny day, hanging out
with family, and doing things you enjoy when time allows.

8. Discussion Question
There are many medications (especially in surgery) that are used to sedate the patient, block
nerves, ease pain, etc… that can, and are, abused for their euphoric effects. These medications
normally would be discontinued given their risks, unfortunately they are the very ones that are
most effective. Is the use of these medications worth the possible long-term effects such as
addiction and death if abused, which they frequently are?

9. Sources
 (March 2011). Commonly Abused Drugs Chart. Retrieved from
http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts/commonly-abused-drugs-
chart
 PCP. Retrieved from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/
pcp/?gclid=CKfStfy288ECFU9k7AodSVAAAw
 Phenylcylidine (PCP). Retrieved from
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/job185drugs/phencyclidine.htm