3-HO-PCP
3-HO-PCP is a synthetic dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class and a structural analogue of phencyclidine (PCP). First synthesized in 1978 to explore the structure-activity relationships of PCP derivatives,1 it has since emerged as a designer drug. It is known for producing potent dissociative, hallucinogenic, and euphoric effects. Notably, beyond its primary activity as an NMDA receptor antagonist, it possesses appreciable affinity for the μ-opioid receptor.12
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Redosing may result in dangerous cumulative effects.
Duration
Subjective Effects
3-HO-PCP produces a dissociative experience with an unusually pronounced opioid-like character, reflecting its high affinity for both the NMDA and μ-opioid receptors — a combination unique among the arylcyclohexylamines. Onset is slow, commonly taking up to two hours to fully develop, beginning with a subtly distant headspace and tingling numbness before settling into a warm, contented state of mild dissociation. The experience carries a distinctive heady presence and an undercurrent of fatigue, and it resolves into a gentle afterglow with a dreamy, content disposition and a sense of mental reset typical of dissociatives.
Physical
The body feel combines warmth and flushing with numbness in the hands and fingers, alongside opioid-like comfort and analgesia. A wearing sense of fatigue accompanies the trip, temperature perception can swing from warm to chilly, and a mild lingering headache may follow the experience.
Bodily
Temperature
Cognitive
The headspace is distant but lucid at moderate doses, with users remaining in full control of their faculties. The emotional tone is rounded and contented in a manner reminiscent of opioids, time passes noticeably faster than usual, and the tail end of the experience takes on a dreamy quality.
Emotional
Tactile
A tingly numbness develops early in the hands and persists in the fingers through the offset of the experience.
Multisensory
Sensory input as a whole takes on a subtly altered, removed quality without overt distortion at lighter doses.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
3-HO-PCP acts primarily as a high-affinity uncompetitive antagonist of the NMDA receptor at the dizocilpine (MK-801) site.1 The substance also displays appreciable affinity for the μ-opioid receptor, the σ1 receptor, and the κ-opioid receptor, with only low affinity for the δ-opioid receptor.13 μ-Opioid receptor agonist activity has been observed in animal models, though whether this property extends to humans remains unknown.2
Pharmacokinetics
Very little is known about the metabolism of 3-HO-PCP in humans.4 3-HO-PCP is itself a known metabolite of 3-MeO-PCP.
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Tolerance
Dissociatives
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateEarly reports suggest 3-HO-PCP is likely to be moderately addictive with notable habit-forming properties. It appears to be more habit-forming than dissociatives such as MXE, ketamine, and DCK. Compulsive redosing is reported, particularly prominent when smoked or vaporized due to the abrupt onset and offset of effects.
Physical
LowWhen addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops usage. The severity and nature of withdrawal symptoms are not well documented.
Toxicity
Repeated and excessive use over extended periods is likely to cause bladder and urinary tract problems similar to those seen with ketamine, though potentially to a lesser extent because 3-HO-PCP's higher potency means less material needs to be consumed.
Acute cardiovascular effects including abnormal heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate occur during intoxication.
Respiratory depression may occur, particularly at higher doses or when combined with other depressants.5
Reports indicate that this compound may cause more pronounced physical reactions during or shortly after use, including aching muscles and flu-like symptoms, and that higher doses may be unusually dangerous or toxic compared with related dissociatives.
Psychosis Risk
There is a notable risk of psychosis, delusions, and mania, particularly with chronic use, high doses, or compulsive redosing before fully sober. As an analogue of PCP, which reportedly causes higher rates of mania and psychosis than other dissociatives, similar concerns apply. Avoiding consecutive daily use and staying within recommended dosage ranges is advised to reduce this risk.
Seizure Risk
Seizures are likely possible in people who are already susceptible to them, particularly under physically stressful conditions such as dehydration, exhaustion, or inadequate nutrition. How readily this effect can occur has not been well established.
History & Culture
3-HO-PCP was first synthesized in 1978 during investigations into the structure-activity relationships of phencyclidine (PCP) derivatives.1 Throughout the 1980s, researchers continued to characterize its pharmacological properties, discovering its activity at opioid…
Trip Reports
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Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (April 1982). Chemical synthesis and molecular pharmacology of hydroxylated 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl-piperidine derivatives. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 25(4), 431–435. https://doi.org/10.1021/jm00346a01912345
- (July 1981). On the opioid nature of phencyclidine and its 3-hydroxy derivative. European Journal of Pharmacology, 73(2–3), 229–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(81)90097-2123
- (June 1984). Interaction of two phencyclidine opiate-like derivatives with 3H-opioid binding sites. European Journal of Pharmacology, 101(3–4), 281–284. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(84)90171-712
- (July 2020). In vitro and in vivo metabolism and detection of 3-HO-PCP, a synthetic phencyclidine, in human samples and pooled human hepatocytes using high resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Testing and Analysis, 12(7), 987–993. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.28071
- Ameline A, & et al.. (2023). Case report of a fatal 3-hydroxyphencyclidine intoxication, including blood and hair results. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 47(6), 552. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkad0401
- (2013-12-18). Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb. o seznamech návykových látek — § 1 písm. d) bod 2 (Příloha č. 4). Czech Republic Government. https://krajta.slv.cz/2013/463/par_1-pism_d-bod_21
- (n.d.). Förordning (1992:1554) om kontroll av narkotika — Bilaga 1. Riksdagsförvaltningen. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-19921554-om-kontroll-av-narkotika_sfs-1992-1554/1
- (1971). The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2013. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/239/introduction/made1
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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