Health Encyclopedia

Phencyclidine overdose

Definition

Phencyclidine, or PCP, is an illegal street drug that can cause hallucinations. 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.

See: Overdose

Alternative Names

PCP overdose; Angel dust overdose; Sernyl overdose

Symptoms

Agitation (overly excited, violent behavior)
Altered state of consciousness
Catatonic trance (patient does not talk, move, or react)
Coma
Convulsions
Hallucinations
High blood pressure
Nystagmus (side-to-side eye movements)
Psychosis
Uncontrolled movement
Uncoordination

Home Treatment

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, or a local emergency number

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

What to expect at the emergency room

The patient may be sedated and placed in restraints to avoid hurting him 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.

Expectations (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.

Review Date:10/18/2007
Reviewed By:Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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