Methoxetamine

Methoxetamine, commonly abbreviated MXE, is a dissociative anesthetic of the arylcyclohexylamine class. It is a structural analogue of ketamine developed in the 2010s and has appeared on the illicit drug market as a "research chemical" substitute for ketamine.

Pharmacology: MXE acts mainly as an NMDA receptor antagonist, producing dissociation, analgesia, and altered sensory perception. It may also affect other neurotransmitter systems to a lesser extent. It is not approved for medical use.

Use and availability: MXE has been sold online as a powder or in capsules, often marketed as a "legal" alternative to ketamine. It is usually taken by insufflation, oral ingestion, or occasionally other routes. Onset is typically within 15-60 minutes, and the experience can last several hours, commonly 4-8 hours, sometimes longer.

Effects: user reports include detachment from the body, euphoria, perceptual changes, and vivid imagery. Higher doses raise the risk of intense dissociation and adverse psychological effects such as anxiety and confusion; physical effects include dizziness, nausea, tachycardia, and increased blood pressure.

Safety and risks: MXE carries risks of accidents due to impaired motor control or dissociation, as well as potential psychological distress. Repeated or high-dose use can lead to tolerance and dependence; long-term effects are not well studied. Overdose risk exists, with symptoms that can include extreme agitation, hypertension, seizures, and coma.

Legal status: MXE has been subject to legal controls in several countries; many jurisdictions classify it as an illegal drug. It is not approved for medical use in most places.