3-MeO-PCE
3-MeO-PCE is a dissociative hallucinogen of the arylcyclohexylamine class1 and a structural analog of PCE.2 It began gaining popularity around 2010 as a grey-market research chemical, typically sold online as a legal alternative to PCP and ketamine.2 Its effects are reported to be qualitatively similar to those of PCE and PCP. It is considered potentially habit-forming, and its safety profile remains poorly characterized.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Heavy doses carry elevated risk of psychotic symptoms, mania, and delirium.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Reported as a dissociative anesthetic with a qualitative character comparable to PCE and PCP.
Cognitive
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
3-MeO-PCE acts primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist, binding at the PCP site with high affinity (Ki 61 nM).2 It also displays significant affinity for the serotonin transporter and sigma-2 receptor,2 with additional binding at the dopamine transporter, alpha-2A adrenergic receptor, histamine H2 receptor, and sigma-1 receptor.
Pharmacokinetics
Very limited pharmacokinetic data is available for 3-MeO-PCE. Its metabolic pathways and elimination characteristics have not been formally characterized.
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
High3-MeO-PCE is considered highly addictive with a high potential for adverse side effects. It has been reported to be more habit-forming than other dissociatives such as ketamine, MXE, diphenidine, and ephenidine. Compulsive redosing is commonly reported, particularly when smoked or vaporized due to the abrupt onset and offset via this route. Multiple reports describe users becoming seriously addicted daily users.
Physical
LowCravings and withdrawal effects may occur upon sudden cessation after addiction has developed, though the specific nature and severity of withdrawal symptoms are not well documented.
Toxicity
Chronic heavy use may cause bladder and urinary tract problems similar to those seen with ketamine, including urinary frequency, urgency, pressure, pelvic and bladder pain, hematuria, and incontinence; however, these effects appear less severe than with ketamine due to the higher potency of 3-MeO-PCE requiring significantly smaller quantities to achieve effects.
Psychosis Risk
3-MeO-PCE has been reported to cause psychosis, delusions, and mania at a significantly higher rate than other dissociatives such as ketamine, MXE, or diphenidine. Heavy doses and repeated use substantially increase this risk. These effects typically occur during the offset of the experience but can also manifest during onset or come up. Numerous experience reports describe states of psychotic delirium, amnesia, mania, and other serious consequences following abuse of this substance.
Seizure Risk
Seizures have been reported as a potential effect, though frequency, severity, and precipitating conditions are not well documented.
History & Culture
3-MeO-PCE emerged on the online research chemical market around 2010,3 where it was marketed as a grey-area legal alternative to controlled dissociatives such as PCP and ketamine. The compound represents part of the broader wave of designer arylcyclohexylamines that…
Trip Reports
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Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (June 2013). From the street to the laboratory: analytical profiles of methoxetamine, 3-methoxyeticyclidine and 3-methoxyphencyclidine and their determination in three biological matrices. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 37(5), 277–83. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkt0231
- (March 2013). The ketamine analogue methoxetamine and 3- and 4-methoxy analogues of phencyclidine are high affinity and selective ligands for the glutamate NMDA receptor. PLOS ONE, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.00593341234
- (n.d.). Details for Phencyclidine-type substances. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). https://www.unodc.org/LSS/SubstanceGroup/Details/6bf165ed-82e7-47e0-9eaa-daacc42d99cd1
- (18 October 2012). Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Methoxetamine report, 2012. UK Home Office. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advisory-council-on-the-misuse-of-drugs-acmd-methoxetamine-report-2012123
- (2019). § 4 NpSG. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/__4.html12
- (n.d.). Förordning (1992:1554) om kontroll av narkotika – Bilaga 1 (Sveriges riksdag). https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-19921554-om-kontroll-av-narkotika_sfs-1992-1554/12
- (2013-02-26). The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/239). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/239/made12
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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