Ketamine or Phencyclidine

Phencyclidine (PCP), a derivative of the anesthetic ketamine, is a major component of street drugs. In one series, it was detected in 184 of 237 street drug samples. It is sold as 'angel dust' sprayed on plant leaves or as a powder called 'peace pills,' and is frequently misrepresented as LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, cocaine, MDA, or THC. Both ketamine and phencyclidine are sympathomimetic anesthetics, but phencyclidine is a much more potent hallucinogen. Their abuse is a massive and generally unrecognized problem.

Study at a glance

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