Citation

Burns RS, Lerner SE, Corrado R, James SH, Schnoll SH. West. J. Med. 1975; 123(5): 345-349.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1975, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1210329

PMCID

PMC1129907

Abstract

Phencyclidine is now one of the most frequently used main ingredients of "street drug" preparations. Its effects are highly dose dependent and three varieties of acute intoxication have been seen clinically associated with different dosages and routes of administration. Most persons using phencyclidine smoke it sprinkled on parsley in low doses. The presence of horizontal and vertical nystagmus associated with hypertension in a patient who is agitated or comatose are diagnostic of a phencyclidine intoxicated state. Sensory isolation and intravenous administration of diazepam in the event of seizure activity have proved effective in the treatment of acute intoxicated states. Phencyclidine has pronounced behavioral toxicity and several deaths due to this agent have now been documented. It is unknown whether seizure activity or respiratory depression is the primary cause of death in pharmacological overdoses.

Language: en