PCP is perhaps the most widely used term for phencyclidine, an illegal anesthetic known for its ability to produce extremely altered behavior and powerful hallucinations. The drug also has another famous street name: angel dust. Phencyclidine can produce serious harm in both short-term users and long-term users. Let’s take a look at the PCP effects found in each of these categories.PCP Background Phencyclidine was actually created more than 60 years ago for use as an intravenous (IV) anesthetic. However, the drug triggered major unwanted side effects and the federal government outlawed its use. The intended therapeutic purposes of PCP included:Pain reliefLoss of body mobility, andSleep-inducing sedationShort-Term Effects The amount of phencyclidine you take has a significant impact on the PCP effects you experience. If you take a low or moderate dose in the range of 1 mg to 5 mg, common effects include:Euphoric pleasurePhysical numbnessDrowsinessA disoriented or confused mental stateDissociation (a sense of detachment from yourself or your surrounding environment)A form of involuntary eye movement called nystagmusA blank facial expressionA declining ability to control your body, andAn inability to speak without slurring your words When you take at least 10 mg of PCP, you enter the territory of effects such as:HallucinationsDelusional thinking (including paranoia)Unusual, extreme and/or aggressive behavior, andAnxiety that transitions into outright panic In addition, a small or large dose of the drug can trigger physical effects such as:Rigid musclesUnusually high or low blood pressureHeartbeat irregularitiesNausea and vomitingChanges in your normal breathing, andFever If you take a large dose of phencyclidine, you can also trigger an overdose. Potential consequences of a PCP overdose include:SeizuresNon-responsive unconsciousness (i.e., coma), andDeath Users of the drug also have a significant risk for fatal accidents.Long-Term Effects If you continue to use PCP over an extended period of time, you run the risk of developing a number of serious problems. A partial list of the drug’s potential long-term effects includes:Unpredictable “flashbacks” that spontaneously trigger the drug’s effectsOngoing and possibly severe speaking difficultiesMemory disruptionWithdrawal from social interactionsSevere and ongoing depressionSevere and ongoing anxiety, andIncreased risks for suicidal thinking, planning and action Even if you have no previous history of severe mental health problems, long-term use of PCP can also lead to an ongoing form of psychosis (i.e., hallucinations and delusional thinking) known as toxic psychosis or substance-induced psychosis. Sources: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Phencyclidine University of Maryland – Center for Substance Abuse Research: Phencyclidine (PCP)Category: Other AddictionsBy Promises AustinApril 5, 2017Post navigationPreviousPrevious post:3 Things to Try When Cold Turkey Detox FailsNextNext post:When Women Become Addicted to CocaineRelated postsBenzo Withdrawal TimelineDecember 11, 2019Physical DependenceDecember 8, 2019Psychological DependenceDecember 7, 2019Am I Addicted to Porn?October 22, 2019What is Lean Drink?October 16, 2019Common Benzo Withdrawal SymptomsOctober 12, 2019