PHENCYCLIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Phencyclidine hydrochloride, commonly known as PCP, is a potent synthetic dissociative drug that affects the central nervous system. It was initially developed as an intravenous anesthetic but was later discontinued due to its severe side effects. PCP is a white crystalline powder that can either be ingested orally, inhaled, or injected.
Phencyclidine hydrochloride causes various psychoactive effects, including dissociation, hallucinations, delusions, and loss of physical coordination. The drug acts by blocking the actions of the NMDA receptor, which is responsible for regulating the neurotransmitter glutamate. As a result, PCP inhibits the transmission of signals in the brain, leading to altered perception, distorted thinking, and detachment from reality.
The effects of PCP can be highly unpredictable and can vary from person to person. Users may experience a sense of detachment from their surroundings, distorted sense of time, and feelings of invulnerability or paranoia. Additionally, PCP can cause aggressive and violent behavior, confusion, and extreme agitation.
Long-term use of phencyclidine hydrochloride can have adverse effects on physical and mental health. Chronic PCP use is associated with increased risk of developing memory problems, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and social withdrawal. Overdosing on PCP can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
Due to its high potential for abuse and the risks it poses to users, phencyclidine hydrochloride is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute without a valid prescription.
Common Misspellings for PHENCYCLIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
- ohencyclidine hydrochloride
- lhencyclidine hydrochloride
- -hencyclidine hydrochloride
- 0hencyclidine hydrochloride
- pgencyclidine hydrochloride
- pbencyclidine hydrochloride
- pnencyclidine hydrochloride
- pjencyclidine hydrochloride
- puencyclidine hydrochloride
- pyencyclidine hydrochloride
- phwncyclidine hydrochloride
- phsncyclidine hydrochloride
- phdncyclidine hydrochloride
- phrncyclidine hydrochloride
- ph4ncyclidine hydrochloride
- ph3ncyclidine hydrochloride
- phebcyclidine hydrochloride
- phemcyclidine hydrochloride
- phejcyclidine hydrochloride
Etymology of PHENCYCLIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
The word "phencyclidine hydrochloride" has its roots in its chemical structure and naming conventions. Here's a breakdown:
1. Phencyclidine: The term "phencyclidine" comes from the actual chemical structure of the compound. Phencyclidine is a synthetic drug that was developed in the 1950s and marketed as an anesthetic under the brand name Sernyl. Its chemical structure consists of a cyclohexyl ring (Phen) fused with a piperidine ring (Cyclidine). Thus, "phencyclidine" is derived from the combination of these two components.
2. Hydrochloride: "Hydrochloride" indicates the addition of a hydrochloric acid molecule (HCl) to form a salt. This is a common way to enhance the stability and solubility of a substance, making it more suitable for therapeutic or research purposes.
