No patients were reported to be violent. It was once available as a veterinary anesthetic, but now essentially all PCP on the street results from illegal synthesis. Symptoms and Signs A giddy euphoria occurs with lower doses, although it is often followed by bursts of anxiety or mood lability. Higher doses produce a withdrawn catatonic state, ataxia, dysarthria, muscular hypertonicity, and myoclonic jerks. Unusual rotatory and vertical nystagmus is often present and aids in the diagnosis.
Cardiovascular status is usually unaffected.
Prolonged psychotic states are reported to occur after PCP use. Treatment Diazepam 10 to 20 mg po often helps diminish anxiety and is mandatory when seizures occur. Some clinicians believe that haloperidol is useful. Hypotension may occur when chlorpromazine is used. Diazoxide may be used when severe hypertension is present.