Description
MXE is a man-made ‘designer drug’ that is structurally and pharmacologically related to ketamine. It first appeared on the research chemical/’legal highs’ market around 2010 and was reportedly synthesised as a longer-lasting, more potent alternative once ketamine started to be more tightly controlled and its supply disrupted. It was marketed by some sellers and users as a "bladder friendly" ketamine substitute. This claim has never been substantiated and there is no good evidence that MXE is any safer for the bladder than ketamine, other than the increased potency meaning smaller doses are needed. Anecdotal reports consistently describe MXE as considerably more potent than ketamine, with a longer duration and a harsher, more drawn-out comedown.
Please see ‘research chemicals’ section for more information and advice on the use of new drugs.
Desirable Effects
- distortion of senses
- dissociative state (feeling of detachment from the body and the wider world)
- Mild euphoria and stimulation at lower doses
Undesirable Effects
- blurred vision, dizziness, impaired coordination
- sometimes nausea and headaches
- may cause memory problems if used long-term
- Confusion, disorientation, loss of motor control
- “K-hole” type states, possibly more intense and prolonged than with ketamine.
- Long term effects remain poorly understood
What does it look like?
White Powder or crystals
Method of Use
Sniffed, swallowed, rectally or injected
Pharmacology
MXE acts primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist, the same broad mechanism as ketamine and PCP. It's an arylcyclohexylamine. Reported elimination half-life is roughly 3–6 hours, but formal pharmacokinetic data in humans is very limited with most of what's known coming from user reports, forensic case reports, and a small number of analytical/toxicology studies rather than controlled clinical research.
History
It is suggested that methoxetamine was initially synthesised for treatment for chronic pain. The drug first appeared for sale in 2010, and increased in popularity over 2011. MXE was first reported as an underground synthesis intended as a longer-acting, more potent analogue of ketamine, and appeared for sale online from around 2010, with use increasing through 2011 as it was marketed under "research chemical"/"not for human consumption" labelling to sidestep drug laws. In April 2012 it became one of the first substances controlled in the UK via a Temporary Class Drug Order (TCDO), banning production and supply (but not simple possession) while the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) assessed it. Following that review, MXE was permanently classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 from 26 February 2013, at which point possession also became an offence. Since then, a large number of close chemical analogues (e.g. deschloroketamine/DCK, 2-fluorodeschloroketamine/2F-DCK, methoxmetamine, deoxymethoxetamine) have appeared on the market, in part as replacements once MXE itself was controlled
Law
Possible offences
- Possession
- Maximum sentence – 5 years/fine/both
- Possession With Intent To Supply
- Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both
- Supply (including being concerned in supply, conspiracy to supply, aggravated supply and offer to supply)
- Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both
- Production
- Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both
In practice maximum sentences are rarely used, for more detailed and accurate information go to our sentencing page.
