What are the effects of PCP and ketamine?
PCP. In its common powdered form, PCP may be snorted or sprinkled on marijuana, tobacco, or parsley and smoked. Effects are felt within minutes of ingestion, may last for several hours, and are unpredictable. At low doses, physiological effects may include shallow, rapid breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and elevated temperature. At higher doses, dangerous changes can occur in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration, often with nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and decreased awareness of pain. Ketamine. Available illegally in powder or pill form, ketamine is similar to, though less potent and shorter acting than, PCP. The drug is odorless and tasteless, induces amnesia, and cannot be detected in beverages. It is sometimes used in commission of sexual assaults referred to as “drug rape.” For More Information Copies of the NIDA Research Report “Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs” may be ordered from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1
