Methoxetamine

3-meo-2′-oxo-pce (commonly known as methoxetamine, mxe, mexxy, among others) is a dissociative substance of the arylcyclohexylamine class that produces ketamine-like dissociative effects when administered. it is structurally related to ketamine, pce, and 3-meo-pcp.

mxe was originally developed through the use of intelligent drug design, as a potential treatment for phantom limb syndrome among other ailments.

mxe had no documented history of human usage until it was first identified by the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction in november 2010. by july 2011, they had identified 58 websites selling the compound at the cost of 145–195 euros for 10 grams. once highly popular, it is now thought to be extinct on the online research chemical market due to the global ban of the drug.

limited data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of mxe in humans, and it has a limited history of human use. it is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.

chemistry

methoxetamine, or (rs)2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexanone, is classed as an arylcyclohexylamine. arylcyclohexylamines are named for their structures which include a cyclohexane ring bound to an aromatic ring along with an amine group.

mxe contains a phenyl ring with a methoxy (ch₃-o-) substituent at r₃ bonded to a cyclohexane ring substituted at r₂ with an oxo group (cyclohexanone). bound to the same location (r₁) of the cyclohexanone ring is an amino ethyl chain -n-ch₂ch₃.

mxe is a chiral molecule that is often produced as a racemate, although batches of its stereo-exclusive isomers have occasionally been produced and distributed.

pharmacology

mxe acts as a non-competitive nmda receptor antagonist and serotonin–reuptake inhibitor. nmda receptors allow for electrical signals to pass between neurons in the brain and spinal column; for the signals to pass, the receptor must be open. dissociatives close the nmda receptors by blocking them. this disconnection of neurons leads to loss of feeling, difficulty moving, and eventually an almost identical equivalent of the famous “k-hole.” mxe was reported to be similar to ketamine , despite being stronger and having a longer duration.

because of its structural similarity to 3-ho-pcp, it was falsely believed to carry opioid properties. this claim cannot be supported by actual data, instead showing only insignificant affinity for the µ-opioid receptor by the substance itself, although in-vivo metabolites could yield different effects.