Background: For the first time in ten years, phencyclidine (PCP) has been confiscated in Norway. Physicians should be aware of this substance when treating intoxications.
Methods: Relevant literature was identified by search in Medline. This review presents the pharmacological properties and effects of phencyclidine as well as symptoms and treatment of phencyclidine intoxication.
Results and interpretation: Phencyclidine exhibits hallucinogenic, depressant and stimulant properties. Phencyclidine interacts as an antagonist to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the central nervous system. Severe NMDA receptor hypofunction can elicit clinical symptoms similar to a schizophrenic episode.