If you’re just beginning to research psychedelics, you may have found that ketamine has some chemical similarities with PCP. However, there are clear differences when comparing PCP vs. ketamine.
It’s important to be informed about the effects and uses of various psychedelic drugs, particularly when considering them as a potential treatment for mental illness.
Here, we explain the similarities between PCP vs. ketamine, as well as what makes them so different from one other.
PCP vs. Ketamine: The History
Experts initially created PCP (or phencyclidine) to act as a general anesthetic and analgesic for humans.
Researchers continued experimenting with compounds similar to that of PCP and, in the 1960s, synthesized ketamine.
Today, ketamine is a common medication used to induce and maintain anesthesia in medical settings worldwide.
PCP vs. Ketamine: The Differences
Apart from being hallucinogens, what differences are important to know when comparing PCP vs. ketamine?
Addictive Potential
Both ketamine and PCP have addictive potential, the potential for the two varies. Ketamine is classified as a schedule III drug, while phencyclidine is classed as a schedule II.
Another key difference lies in legality. While the illicit use or abuse of both drugs is illegal, ketamine is illegal in medical settings.
The Law And FDA Approval
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