How Long Does PCP Stay in Your System?

PCP is a psychedelic drug that many use to achieve a euphoric high. As a dissociative, it can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety, which sometimes persist beyond the last use. Due to its long half-life, PCP can remain in the system for 105 hours.

What is PCP?

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative drug with hallucinogenic properties.[1] In the 1950s, it was used intravenously as an anesthetic, but was discontinued in the 70s due to adverse reactions in patients, including delirium and hallucinations.[1] Since it has no medical uses and has a high potential for addiction, it is considered a Schedule II Controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.[1]

On the streets, PCP is sold under the names angel dust, rocket fuel, fry, and wack. It resembles a white powder, though it can be sold as a liquid, capsule, or tablet.[2]

What is the Total Elimination of PCP?

The total time it takes for PCP to leave the system is 4 to 5 half-lives.[3] A half-life, also known as an elimination half-life, is the time it takes for half of the drug and metabolites to clear your system. The elimination half-life of PCP can vary depending on the method of administration but is generally around 21 hours.[4]

Although the total elimination time for PCP is 84 to 105 hours, some drug screenings can still detect it.

How Long Do The Effects of PCP Last?

After taking PCP, symptoms typically appear within 2 to 5 minutes. When ingested via capsule, it may take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to show effects.[4] Although it takes about 21 hours for PCP to be eliminated from the body by half, the associated symptoms can last from several hours up to two days, depending on the dose.[4]

Because PCP is fat-soluble, it can be released from fat stores and adipose tissues for several days or even months after use, potentially prolonging its effects.[4]

What Factors Increase the Half-Life of PCP?

The elimination half-life of PCP can be altered, depending on several factors, including:[5]

• Impaired renal function: PCP and its metabolites are processed by the kidneys for elimination. When the kidneys fail to function correctly, elimination can be prolonged.
• Frequent use: Using PCP frequently can cause the drug to accumulate in fat cells, prolonging its elimination.
• Polysubstance use: Using PCP along with another addictive substance or specific medication can slow down the metabolism, extending the half-life of PCP.

People with a slower-than-normal metabolism may also experience a longer elimination half-life.[5]

How Long is PCP Detectable in the System?

PCP is called one of the ‘federal five’, which is a group of drugs that are automatically tested for in federal drug screenings.[6] These five include PCP, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and amphetamines. The time PCP can be detected in the system varies depending on the medium tested.

Detection times are as follows:[6]

• Urine test: Urine drug tests are the most cost-effective and easiest to administer, though it is easier to adulterate than others. PCP is detectable in the urine for 5 to 6 days after last use.
• Sweat test: Sweat tests are uncommon, but can be useful in detecting the presence of certain banned and addictive substances. PCP remains detectable in perspiration for 7 to 14 days from last use.
• Blood test: Blood drug tests are the gold standard because they require a professional for collection, making it harder to adulterate. PCP remains detectable in the blood for up to 14 days.
• Hair Test: Hair retains the metabolites of a substance longer than any other testing medium. For this reason, PCP is detectable in it for 90 days.

What Causes a Positive Screening for PCP?

Using PCP in any form can result in a positive screening for phencyclidine use. However, some medications can trigger a false positive for PCP use.[7]

This includes drugs such as:[8]

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Tramadol (Ultam)
• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Clonazepam (Klonipin)
• Carvedilol (Coreg)
• Meperdine (Demerol)
• Doxylamine (Unisom)
• Imipramine (Tofranil)
• Thioridazine (Mellaril)
• O-desmethylvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

If you are taking any of the above-listed medications, inform the testing center.

What are the Health Effects Of Using PCP?

PCP use can lead to several short-term and long-term health consequences, including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety.[9]

Short-term effects include:[9]

• Low dose: Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, loss of coordination, shallow breathing, skin redness, sweating, and numbness of the hands and feet.
• High dose: Low blood pressure, low heart rate, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and flickering eyes.
• Additional symptoms include: Drooling, loss of balance, dizziness, suicidal thoughts, seizures and death.

Long-term effects include:[9]

• Memory loss
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty thinking
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Weight loss
• Anxiety

PCP is also linked to a higher risk of developing HIV and hepatitis, as well as self-injury.[9] When combined with alcohol, the risk of coma increases significantly.[9]

Finding Health for PCP Addiction

According to research, 2.4% of U.S. adults have abused PCP at some point in their lives.[10] When someone uses PCP long-term or in abusive doses, they often develop a tolerance. As tolerance develops, they need higher doses to achieve the same high, but they rarely ever reach that level again. Instead, they continue increasing their doses or mix PCP with other addictive substances to achieve it. This cycle can lead to physical and psychological dependence, accompanied by withdrawal symptoms that make quitting difficult. The signs of PCP addiction are similar to those observed when someone is under the influence.

They are:

• Memory loss
• Depression
• Speech problems
• Cravings
• Psychosis
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Poor hygiene
• Relationship issues

Other symptoms include:[11]

• Cravings for PCP when you’re not using it
• A preoccupation with using PCP
• Skipping important activities due to PCP use
• Avoiding time with family and friends to use or recover from using PCP
• Experiencing PCP withdrawal
• Experiencing PCP tolerance

If you or a loved one has an addiction to PCP, there is hope.

At Engage Wellness Acton, we offer a comprehensive and tailored addiction treatment program designed to help you overcome PCP dependency and achieve lasting sobriety.

The program begins with supervised detox (withdrawal) to ensure your comfort and safety. Following detox, behavioral therapy and holistic therapeutic activities are provided to help you understand the root causes of the addiction and develop effective ways to overcome them. After graduating from the program, ongoing aftercare support is available to reinforce your recovery plan and help prevent relapse.

To learn more about these programs and ask any questions you have about PCP addiction, give us a call today.

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