Table of contents:
- What is contained in the PCC drug?
- Paracetamol
- Caffeine (caffeine)
- Carisoprodol
- What happens if these three drugs are taken together?
It was recorded that until September 14 2017, 61 people were rushed to a number of hospitals in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi due to an overdose of PCC drugs. Most of these victims were elementary and junior high school students. Some immediately fell unconscious and even died after taking the drug. Some of the survivors were reported to be mentally disoriented, so they had to be tied up so as not to rampage. What is actually contained in the drug PCC, a new drug marketed for school children?
What is contained in the PCC drug?
PCC itself stands for Paracetamol, Caffeine, and Carisoprodol. Let us discuss the ingredients one by one, and what side effects may occur if this combination of drugs is abused.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol or called acetaminophen is included in the type of painkiller that is sold freely. Paracetamol is usually used to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate pain such as headaches, flu, pain due to menstruation, toothache, to joint pain. 500mg paracetamol tablets are taken every 6 hours to achieve this pain-relieving effect.
There are several side effects of paracetamol, such as nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine and pale stools until the skin and eyes turn yellow. However, the symptoms above are not commonly felt by many people by consuming according to the rules.
Caffeine (caffeine)
Caffeine or caffeine is a substance found in coffee, tea or cola to increase awareness, focus and alertness. Hence, when after drinking coffee your sleepiness will disappear or decrease. Athletes even use caffeine as a stimulant because of its great ability and caffeine is a stimulant that is permitted to be used by the United States athletes association or called the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
In the medical world, caffeine is commonly used as a combination painkiller. In this case, caffeine can be added along with paracetamol. Caffeine is also used for asthma, bladder infections, and low blood pressure.
Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart and muscles in the body. The effect of caffeine is to increase blood pressure and improve urine flow. However, this effect may not occur in people who already regularly drink caffeine.
Caffeine also has rules in its use. The concentration of caffeine in urine should not reach 16mcg / mL. To reach this figure, it takes 8 cups of coffee to drink. So, in general, caffeine is a substance that is relatively safe for routine consumption.
If excessive, caffeine can cause several side effects such as anxiety, panic attacks, acid reflux, increased blood pressure and insomnia. For those of you who do have health problems such as ulcers or hypertension, this effect can easily occur.
Carisoprodol
If paracetamol and caffeine are substances that are commonly consumed and relatively safe so they are sold freely, this is different from carisoprodol. Carisoprodol is a limited drug that can only be used under a doctor's prescription. This drug is a type of muscle relaxer medication or medication that relaxes muscles that will cut the pain flowing from the nerves to the brain in the head. Carisoprodol is used together for physical therapy such as muscles and bones, for example in injuries.
Taking this drug can cause dependence. Because of this effect, this drug is not actually available over-the-counter and should only be purchased with a doctor's prescription. The side effects will affect the nerves and body reactions. If taken with alcohol, this drug will make you feel drowsy that is so severe that you feel dizzy.
There are several side effects that can arise from consumption of carisoprodol. If you experience these symptoms, stop using this drug immediately.
- Loss of consciousness
- Feeling so weak that you have poor body coordination
- Very fast heartbeat
- Convulsions
- Loss of sight
What happens if these three drugs are taken together?
If a person mixes and takes these three drugs together, as a PCC drug, the effects of each drug will work together. PCC drugs ultimately damage the central nervous system in the brain. The manifestation of brain central nerve damage can vary, but the PCC drug specifically exerts hallucinogenic effects that are seen in some victims.
Significant mood changes are also common, as well as behavioral and emotional disorders that can also occur in PCC drug users. This disorder is often referred to as a "bad trip", which is a symptom of anxiety, fear, and panic that occurs in drug users. In addition, misuse of this drug can lead to overdose and death.
