Phencyclidine users

In a retrospective, case-control study of the use of phencyclidine in 23 of 13 653 pregnant women, the phencyclidine users had smaller infants (2698 versus 3011 g), which may have been partly accounted for by a reduction in gestational age (37.3 versus 38.3 weeks) (24). The users were more likely to have used tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana and had a higher incidence of syphilis and diabetes mellitus. 

Patel R, Connor G. A review of thirty cases of rhabdomyo-lysis-associated acute renal failure among phencyclidine users. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1985-1986 23(7-8) 547-56. 

The azapirones have heen tested in panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), drug-abuse and alcoholism. Gepirone, but not buspirone, was superior to placebo on panic attacks. Buspirone produced a significant improvement in OCD and reduced the craving and cigarette smokers, cocaine and phencyclidine users and alcoholists to some extent (for review see [2]). 

Bailey, D.N., Shaw, R.F., and Guba, J.J. Phencyclidine abuse Plasma levels and clinical findings in casual users and in phencyclidine-related deaths. J. Anal. Toxicol. 2 233-237, 1978. 

The drug PCP (phencyclidine) is developed and approved as an anesthetic for use in animals only. It later becomes a drug of abuse, often producing violent outbursts in users. 

Ketamine is a compound with a molecular structure similar to that of phencyclidine (Figure 4.2). The pharmaceutical versions of ketamine are clear, colorless liquids available in varying concentrations of 10,50, and 100 milligram/milliliter solutions (Figure 4.3). Many recreational users inject this liquid intramuscularly or intravenously. It is the liquid formulation that is used as a date rape drug. Liquid ketamine, which is clear and colorless, can easily be slipped into a drink without being detected. 

Of 68 users of phencyclidine (37 men, 31 women aged 14-38 years), 42 used it daily, and 14 used it intravenously 25 considered themselves to be addicted to it (8). The effects that they reported are listed in Table 1, the withdrawal effects in Table 2, and the unwanted behaviors in Table 3. 

Table 1 Self-reported effects of phencyclidine in 68 users...

Table 3 Self-reported unwanted behaviors in 68 users of phencyclidine...

Ketamine can cause attention deficits and memory problems. At higher doses, users may experience symptoms similar to those seen with phencyclidine (PCP) use, such as hallucinations, dream-like states, or delirium. Even higher doses of Ketamine may cause high blood pressure, depression, and severe breathing problems, which may lead to death. 

Finally, mention should be made of molecular adaptation at the conformational level. Indeed, many examples can be found among which is the street drug phencyclidine (1-30), known as hog (angel dust) by users. 

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