Phencyclidine
PCP
What it isPhencyclidine, a high-affinity NMDA channel blocker; no therapeutic use.
Why this oneIts psychotomimetic effect established NMDA hypofunction as a model of schizophrenia, which shaped drug development for decades.
What limits itAgitation, rhabdomyolysis and hyperthermia. Prolonged effect from lipid sequestration and enterohepatic recycling.
FDA-approved for
- dissociative anesthetic as Sernyl (human use discontinued 1965)
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskAgitation, hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis; nystagmus is the clue