Contamination and Structural Analogs in the Illicit Phencyclidine Market: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Public Health Implications of PCE, TCP, 3-MeO-PCP, and Fentanyl Adulteration
The illegal dissociative drug PCP has evolved through two parallel trends: the proliferation of structurally similar analogs (such as PCE, TCP, and 3-MeO-PCP) and the increasing adulteration of dissociative drug supplies with fentanyl. Small changes to the PCP molecule produce large differences in how these analogs act on brain receptors, altering their potency, duration, and toxicity. For example, 3-MeO-PCP shows stronger dopamine-related activity and longer effects, while TCP binds more strongly to NMDA and sigma receptors and causes more severe psychosis.