PCP or Phencyclidine has many street names and among one of them is “Angel Dust”. To understand the action of PCP, it is necessary to see how the memory making mechanism works. In order to create memories brain works by creating an effect known as “Long Term Potentiating or LTP for short”. Some of the receptors crucial for the process is NMDA receptors and to some extent Nicotinic Receptors. PCP acts by blocking the induction of LTP by blocking NMDA and Nicotinic receptors. The same receptors are blocked by common anesthetic Ketamine and Marijuana. PCP was patented in 1952 as an anesthetic but its side effects were so severe that it was withdrawn. PCP has remained in as a recreational drug and PCP abuse is common among drug users. PCP comes in liquid form, as tablets and as powder. The powder form is used for snorting and is the most potent from of the substance. The user feels intense euphoria and feels free of the inhibitions but it has very dark side also.
The American musician Big Lurch, while under the effect of PCP not only killed a person but also took out his lungs and chewed them. Another case of PCP intoxication involves the person cutting his own legs. Perhaps the most publicized case of PCP abuse is of David Lochary’s who took PCP and committed suicide by jumping out of the window.
PCP poisoning is treated by taking two fold actions. One is to calm the excessive CNS activation by giving CNS suppressants like Benzodiazepines and the other is to eliminate the drug from the body by giving Vitamin C.
Dust Drug
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