HXE
HXE (3-HO-2'-Oxo-PCE) is a novel dissociative substance of the arylcyclohexylamine class that produces ketamine-like effects. Structurally related to methoxetamine, ketamine, and PCE, it is distinguished by a hydroxy group on the phenyl ring in place of the methoxy group found in MXE.1 HXE first became available on the research chemical market in late 2020 after years of synthesis difficulties. Very limited data exists regarding its pharmacology, metabolism, and toxicity in humans.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Duration
Subjective Effects
HXE is described as producing dissociative effects, consistent with its membership in the arylcyclohexylamine family. The available material does not characterize the course, intensity, or texture of the experience in any further detail.
Cognitive
The only attested mental effect is dissociation.
Reagent Testing
Loading reagent data
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Very little is formally known about the pharmacology of HXE. As an arylcyclohexylamine, it is presumed to act as an NMDA receptor antagonist, consistent with the dissociative effects observed with this structural class.2 HXE is also known to be an active metabolite of the dissociative designer drug methoxetamine (as its O-desmethyl metabolite),1 which lends further support to its pharmacological activity at this target.
Pharmacokinetics
No formal pharmacokinetic data for HXE appears to have been published. HXE (O-desmethylmethoxetamine) is a known active metabolite of methoxetamine,13 produced via demethylation of the methoxy group on the phenyl ring.
Tolerance
Dissociatives
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateWith chronic use, HXE is regarded as moderately addictive, has a high abuse potential, and may lead to psychological dependence in some users. Compulsive redosing has been reported.4 In cases where addiction occurs, stopping use may be accompanied by cravings and withdrawal effects.5
Psychosis Risk
Mania can potentially occur in users who are compulsively and regularly consuming large amounts. This effect occurs less often with HXE than with more stimulating dissociatives such as 3-MeO-PCP or 2'-Oxo-PCE.
History & Culture
HXE was first identified as an active metabolite of methoxetamine (MXE), the dissociative arylcyclohexylamine that preceded it on research chemical markets.13 Interest in HXE as a standalone substance developed within research…
Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (June 2014). Characterizing metabolites and potential metabolic pathways for the novel psychoactive substance methoxetamine. Drug Testing and Analysis, 6(6), 506–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.15411234
- Irie T, Yanase Y, Demizu Y, Usami M, & Kikura-Hanajiri R. (December 2022). Derivatives of methoxetamine and major methoxetamine metabolites potently block NMDA receptors. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 150(4), 224–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphs.2022.09.0051
- (September 2016). Detailed pharmacological evaluation of methoxetamine (MXE), a novel psychoactive ketamine analogue-Behavioural, pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies in the Wistar rat. Brain Research Bulletin, 126(Pt 1), 102–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.05.00212
- WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. (2015). Methoxetamine (MXE) Critical Review Report, 37th ECDD. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, 37th Meeting. https://ecddrepository.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/5.9_methoxetamine_crev.pdf1
- (2020). Association of Craving and Depressive Symptoms in Ketamine-Dependent Patients Undergoing Withdrawal Treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1097/jcp.00000000000011381
- NDEWS Web Monitoring Team. (11 June 2021). Alert from NDEWS Web Monitoring Team: Increases in Reddit discussions of HXE in February-May of 2021. NDEWS Weekly Briefing, (39). https://ndews.org/wordpress/files/2024/03/NDEWS-Weekly-Briefing-Issue-39.pdf1
- (2011). Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien (Betäubungsmittelverzeichnisverordnung, BetmVV-EDI), SR 812.121.11. Eidgenössisches Departement des Innern (EDI). https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2011/363/de1
- (2016). Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, section 2 – Meaning of 'psychoactive substance'. UK Parliament. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/section/21
- (1986). 21 U.S.C. § 813 – Treatment of controlled substance analogues. United States Congress. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/81312
- (1986). 21 U.S.C. § 802(32) – Definition of 'controlled substance analogue'. United States Congress. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/802#321
Further Reading
Cayman Chemical - Hydroxetamine analytical standard
CFSRE: Hydroxetamine Monograph (2022)- CFSRE: Hydroxetamine Toxicology Report (2022)
Morris & Wallach (2014) - Comprehensive review of dissociative drugs
PubChem: Hydroxetamine (CID 163192347)
Reddit: r/dissociatives - DMXE vs HXE comparison- Reddit: r/dissociatives - HXE dosage and effects insight
- Reddit: r/dissociatives - HXE is the most sedating disso
- Reddit: r/researchchemicals - First trial with HXE
- Reddit: r/researchchemicals - HXE 100mg IN experience
Tripsitter: HXE Characteristics and Safety Profile
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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