PCP or Phencyclidine is a hallucinogenic dissociative drug that has become one of the main problems for addiction in the country. How long does pcp stay in your system has always been asked by people. The response is: determining exactly how long PCP is detectable in the body depends on many variables. In this article, we’ll throw more light on the drug, its side effects and how long it remains in your body.

What is PCP or Phencyclidine ?

PCP is an illegal psychedelic drug that induces hallucinations and produces a feeling of detachment from oneself and one’s surroundings. This drug was developed as an anesthetic to assist with medical treatments and was created in 1956 by Parke, Davis and Company. It was intended specifically for use as surgical anesthesia.

Other names for PCP

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, it’s a psychedelic drug with many known street names such as 

• Angel dust
• Elephant tranquilizer
• Embalming fluid
• Hog
• Ozone
• Wack
• Killer joints
• The Peace pill
• Rocket fuel
• Supergrass

Effects of PCP

Depending on an individual and also upon the amount of active drug taken and how it is taken, the effects of PCP may vary. Here are various effects of taking PCP

• euphoria
• sound, image and body distortion
• depersonalization or feelings of detachment
• loss of balance and coordination
• loss of sensation and inability to feel pain
• acute anxiety, agitation, and mood swings
• feelings of impending doom
• numbness in the arms and legs

Other people may notice that the user is showing:

• poor co-ordination and an unsteady gait
• bloodshot eyes and rapid eye movements
• slurred or garbled speech, or difficulty talking
• confusion and disorientation
• a blank stare
• stupor or lack of movement
• combativeness or aggression
• bizarre behavior

It can also lead to:

• rigid muscles
• delusions
• amnesia, or memory loss
• chills and sweating
• irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure
• reduced breathing rate
• dizziness, nausea, and vomiting

High doses can lead to:

• seizures
• coma
• damage to the skeletal muscles, known as rhabdomyolysis.
• death

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your System?

Most scientists believe that, these numbers can vary depending on the various testing methods. The urine, blood, saliva and hair can be used to test for PCP. 

PCP in Urine Tests

Right after use, it takes 4 to 6 hours

For window period, it takes 7 to 14 days (up to a week or 2 weeks)

PCP in Hair Follicle Tests

Right after use, it’s within 5 to 10 days

For window period, it can take up to 90 days

Note that, hair tests are used to screen for the presence of PCP in the longer term, especially in recovering individuals.

PCP in Saliva Tests

It takes 5 to 10 minutes right after use. 

And the overall window period can take up to 72 hours (3 days)

PCP Detection in Blood Tests

Blood tests are best done within 1-4 hours.

Blood tests are often done in an emergency room setting. This is because, during that time, plasma levels peak within the first four hours.