Phencyclidine overdose

 

Alternative Names

PCP overdose; Angel dust overdose; Sernyl overdose

Definition

Phencyclidine, or PCP, is an illegal street drug that can cause hallucinations and severe agitation. This article discusses overdose due to PCP. An overdose is when you take more than the normal or recommended amount of something, usually a drug. An overdose may result in serious, harmful symptoms or death.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms

Individuals who have used PCP can be dangerous to themselves and others. Do not try to approach an agitated person whom you suspect of having used PCP.

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

Poison Control What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

The patient may be sedated and placed in restraints to avoid hurting himself or herself.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

Additional treatment may include:

  • Activated charcoal, if the drug has been taken by mouth
  • Blood tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Intravenous (given through a vein) fluids and medicines  

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome depends on several factors including:

  • The amount of PCP in the body
  • The time between taking the drug and receiving treatment

Recovery from the psychotic state may take several weeks in a quiet, darkened room. Long-term effects may include kidney failure and seizures.

References

Hansen KN, Prybys KM. Hallucinogens. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 169.

Ly, BT, Williams SR. Hallucinogens. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2013:chap 156.

Review Date: 10/11/2013
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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