Phencyclidine analog use in Sweden--intoxication cases involving 3-MeO-PCP and 4-MeO-PCP from the STRIDA project.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) November 1, 2015 Matilda Bäckberg, Olof Beck, Anders Helander
Between July 2013 and March 2015, 59 patients in Sweden tested positive for the PCP analogs 3-MeO-PCP or 4-MeO-PCP after seeking hospital care for suspected new psychoactive substance (NPS) intoxication. Most patients were young men (median age 26, 86% male). Only 12% of cases involved 3-MeO-PCP alone; poly-substance use was common. In single-substance cases, prominent signs included hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg), tachycardia, and altered mental status such as confusion, disorientation, dissociation, or hallucinations. Mixed-drug users showed additional sympathomimetic effects like agitation and dilated pupils. 37% of cases were graded as severe intoxications, and 49% required treatment with benzodiazepines or propofol. Most patients were under medical care for 1-2 days. The adverse effects resembled those of other dissociatives like PCP, ketamine, and methoxetamine.