The First Fatal Intoxication with 3-MeO-PCP in the UK and a Review of the Literature.
Caroline S Copeland, Simon Hudson, Ric Treble, Hilary J Hamnett
Journal of analytical toxicology May 20, 2022 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac015 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe dissociative hallucinogen 3-MeO-PCP, a phencyclidine derivative, can cause severe psychological agitation and life-threatening cardiorespiratory effects. The United Nations classified it as a Schedule II substance in 2021. This report describes the first UK fatality solely attributable to 3-MeO-PCP intoxication, adding to 15 previous fatal cases worldwide. The authors note that blood concentrations associated with toxicity remain uncertain but provide detailed sample information to aid future interpretation. They suggest that exercise may worsen toxicity, cautioning against use as a club drug where elevated heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure are likely.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case report and literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A single individual in the UK who died from 3-MeO-PCP intoxication |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key finding | This is the first reported UK fatality due to 3-MeO-PCP intoxication alone, and exercise may exacerbate its toxicity. |
Abstract
The phencyclidine derivative 3-methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) is a potent dissociative hallucinogen. Sought for recreational use as a novel psychoactive substance, it can also induce acute psychological agitation and pathophysiological cardiorespiratory effects. Due to the harms associated with its use, 3-MeO-PCP was added to the "Green List" of materials covered by the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances as a Schedule II substance by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in April 2021. There have been 15 previous reports of fatal intoxications following 3-MeO-PCP use, but only one was attributable to 3-MeO-PCP intoxication alone. In this report, we detail the first fatality due to 3-MeO-PCP intoxication to be reported in the UK, along with a review of the surrounding literature. While the blood concentrations associated with 3-MeO-PCP toxicity and fatality remain unclear, by providing details of sample collection and storage conditions, this case will aid in future interpretations. Furthermore, this case suggests that 3-MeO-PCP toxicity may be exacerbated by exercise. Users of 3-MeO-PCP should be cautioned against its use as a "club drug" or in a similar setting where elevations in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure may occur.