PharmacyPharmacologyPharmacotherapyPoisoning DiagnosisPoisoning ManagementPsychiatric PharmacotherapyDrug Overdose DiagnosisDrug Overdose ManagementOverdose ManagementBlood PressureBlood Pressure ElevationDeep Tendon Reflex AssessmentDeep Tendon Reflex TestingEarly Behavioral SignsPhencyclidine IntoxicationPhencyclidine ToxicityPsychiatric Crisis Intervention
In nine cases of phencyclidine hydrochloride poisoning, early signs of overdose included drowsiness, nystagmus, miotic pupils, blood pressure elevation, increased deep tendon reflexes, ataxia, anxiety, and agitation. In more severe cases, seizures, spasticity, and opisthotonos were seen in addition to deep coma and respiratory depression. Treatment included removal by emetics or lavage, hydration, and a quiet, reassuring environment. Spasticity, agitation, and ocular manifestions responded to diazepam. Psychiatric intervention was instituted after the patients were stable and no longer agitated. (<i>JAMA</i>234:513-516, 1975)