O-PCE
O-PCE is a lesser-known novel dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class1 that produces dissociative, anesthetic, stimulating, and hallucinogenic effects, speculated to act primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist.1 Structurally related to MXE and deschloroketamine, it emerged as a contemporary designer drug marketed through online research chemical vendors as a replacement for MXE and other dissociatives.23 It is reportedly habit-forming, and its pharmacological profile remains poorly characterized.1
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Avoid frequent redosing; overdose is reported to be relatively easy due to the compound's potency and stimulating nature.
Duration
Subjective Effects
O-PCE produces a dissociative experience that is notably more stimulating and manic in character than ketamine or deschloroketamine, with a relatively fast onset for an arylcyclohexylamine. Lower doses yield a clear-headed, euphoric dissociation, while higher doses progress into profound detachment from the body and environment, culminating in hole states with immersive internal hallucinations. Its high potency and euphoric, energetic character give it a reputation for encouraging compulsive redosing, and heavy or repeated use is associated with confusion and delusional thinking.
Physical
The body load is light and stimulating rather than sedating, with physical euphoria, pain relief, and a floating bodily lightness giving way to motor control loss and spatial disorientation at higher doses.
Comfortable
Disconnective
Cognitive
The headspace is unusually lucid and energetic for a dissociative at low doses, with mood lift and disinhibition, but memory suppression, time distortion, and delusional or confused thinking emerge as doses climb, up to full ego dissolution during hole states.
Visual
Visual effects are primarily suppressive and disconnective rather than psychedelic, deepening with dose from mild blurring into full detachment from external vision.
Distortions
Auditory
Sounds become muffled and distant as dissociation deepens.
Tactile
Touch and pain perception are progressively dulled, consistent with the compound's anesthetic character.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
No formal pharmacological studies of O-PCE have been published.4 Based on structure-activity relationship analysis and its structural similarity to other arylcyclohexylamine dissociatives such as ketamine and methoxetamine, O-PCE is thought to produce its effects principally through NMDA receptor antagonism.4 Other neurotransmitter systems may also be involved, though this remains uncharacterized.4
Pharmacokinetics
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
ModerateO-PCE is regarded as moderately addictive and as having high abuse potential, and it can cause psychological dependence in some users. Compulsive redosing is commonly reported, particularly due to its potency and stimulating nature.
Physical
LowCravings and withdrawal effects may occur when a person suddenly stops usage after addiction has developed, though the severity of physical dependence appears less pronounced than the psychological component.
Toxicity
Repeated and excessive use over extended periods 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; occasional use appears to carry minimal risk.
Psychosis Risk
Mania is listed among potential cognitive effects at higher doses. As with other dissociatives, O-PCE may carry some risk of adverse psychological reactions including delusions and psychosis, particularly at higher doses or in predisposed individuals.
History & Culture
O-PCE emerged as part of the wave of novel arylcyclohexylamine designer drugs that appeared on the online research chemical market following the decline in MXE availability.3 The compound was specifically developed and marketed as a functional replacement…
Trip Reports
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Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Pelletier R, Le Daré B, Le Bouëdec D, & et al.. (2022). Arylcyclohexylamine Derivatives: Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, Clinical and Forensic Aspects. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9779550/123
- (April 2020). The Emergence of Deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine, a Ketamine Analog, in Drug Seizures and Drug Driving Cases in Hong Kong. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 44(8), 886–895. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkaa03812
- (September 2018). Cluster of acute poisonings associated with an emerging ketamine analogue, 2-oxo-PCE. Forensic Science International, 290, 238–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.01412
- (December 2017). 2-oxo-PCE: ketamine analogue on the streets. Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi, 23(6), 665–6. https://doi.org/10.12809/hkmj177089123
- (March 2019). A Fatal Case Involving N-Ethyldeschloroketamine (2-Oxo-PCE) and Venlafaxine. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 43(2), e2–e6. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bky0631
- (2013). Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb., o seznamech návykových látek — Příloha č. 4 (Seznam č. 4 psychotropních látek). Česká republika. https://krajta.slv.cz/2013/463/par_1-pism_d-bod_21
- (2019). Anlage 1 NpSG — Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetz Anlage (Nummer 6: Von Arylcyclohexyl(methyl)amin abgeleitete Verbindungen). Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/anlage_1.html1
- (2019). Verordnung zur Änderung der Anlage des Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetzes und von Anlagen des Betäubungsmittelgesetzes. http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&jumpTo=bgbl119s1083.pdf1
- (2019). § 4 NpSG. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/__4.html12
- (2017). § 3 NpSG — Unerlaubter Umgang mit neuen psychoaktiven Stoffen. Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/__3.html1
- (2025). Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien (BetmVV-EDI), Anhang 6 Verzeichnis e, Nummer 208 (Stand 15. Mai 2025). Eidgenössisches Departement des Innern (EDI). https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/filestore/fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/2011/363/20250515/de/pdf-a/fedlex-data-admin-ch-eli-cc-2011-363-20250515-de-pdf-a.pdf1
- (2013). The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2013, SI 2013/239 (in force 26 February 2013). UK Government. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/239/made1
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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