Phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication
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Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication is a condition caused by the use of a powerful recreational drug that affects the brain and nervous system. This drug can cause a range of effects including hallucinations, confusion, and violent behavior. It interferes with normal brain communication, leading to changes in perception, mood, and movement. People under the influence may experience numbness, loss of coordination, and sometimes dangerous agitation. The condition can also affect the heart and breathing, making it a serious health concern.
Clinical Definition
Phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication is a toxic state resulting from the ingestion or inhalation of PCP, a dissociative anesthetic that acts primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist in the central nervous system. This blockade disrupts normal glutamatergic neurotransmission, leading to psychotomimetic effects such as hallucinations, delirium, and agitation. The condition is characterized by a combination of neurologic, psychiatric, and autonomic symptoms, including nystagmus, hypertension, tachycardia, and muscle rigidity. PCP intoxication can cause severe neurotoxicity and may result in seizures, hyperthermia, and rhabdomyolysis. It is a medical emergency due to the risk of violent behavior and life-threatening complications.