PCP (Phencyclidine) - Are There Any Medical Reasons for Taking This Substance?
Are There Any Medical Reasons for Taking This Substance?
Some researchers are investigating a possible medical use for PCP. Giving the drug to patients immediately after they have suffered a heart attack or strokeA loss of feeling, consciousness, or movement caused by the breaking or blocking of a blood vessel in the brain. may protect them from suffering permanent brain damage. If this proves to be true, a less dangerous form of the drug might be developed that would give the brain the same protection without causing the serious side effects connected with PCP.
Researchers also continue to study the effect of PCP on animal brains in the hope that they will learn more about mental illnesses such as schizophreniaA mental disease characterized by a withdrawal from reality and other intellectual and emotional disturbances.. People suffering from schizophrenia show many of the same symptoms common among PCP users, including: 1) paranoia—abnormal feelings of suspicion and fear; 2) hallucinations—visions or other perceptions of things that are not really present; 3) confused thinking; 4) detachment from reality; and 5) a generally twisted view of the world. Some scientists think they may be able to figure out more effective treatments for schizophrenia by studying the effects of PCP on animal subjects.
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