Ketamine or Phencyclidine
JAMA – November 11, 1974
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Phencyclidine, a potent hallucinogen, was found in 184 of 237 street drug samples, nearly 78% of those analyzed. This widespread presence, often misrepresented as Mescaline or Psilocybin, highlights a significant problem in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Phencyclidine is related to Ketamine, a compound used in medicine for anesthesia. Understanding its pharmacology, particularly its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, is crucial. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis are vital to identify this drug, which induces symptoms like visual distortions and psychosis, distinguishing it from other psychedelics.
Abstract
To the Editor.— In a recent issue (229:763, 1974), Shaffer describes a series of cases characterized by anesthesia, analgesia, nystagmus, dizziness, diplopia, visual distortions, and psychosis. These findings were attributed to ketamine, a derivative of phencyclidine. Phencyclidine is a major component of street drug preparations.1In one series, phencyclidine was detected in 184 of 237 street drug samples.2In liquid form, phencyclidine is sprayed on marihuana, parsley, oregano, or other plant leaves and sold as "angel dust." As a powder, it is marketed as phencyclidine or "peace pills."3It is frequently sold as LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, cocaine, 3, 4 - methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), tetrahydrocannabinol, and other more "attractive" drugs. Or it may be mixed with these agents.2,3 Both ketamine and phencyclidine are sympathomimetic anesthetics.4However, phencyclidine is a much more potent hallucinogen.4-6 The abuse of these compounds is a massive and generally unrecognized problem. Recently, 41