3-MeO-PCP binds to the NMDA receptor with higher affinity than PCP and has the highest affinity of the three isomeric anisyl-substitutions of PCP, followed by 2-MeO-PCP and 4-MeO-PCP.[2][3]
As of 2018, controlled clinical studies have not been performed in humans but the elimination half-life is estimated to be between 10 and 11 hours.[5]
Chemistry
3-MeO-PCP hydrochloride is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of 204–205 °C.[6]
History
3-MeO-PCP was first synthesized in 1979 to investigate the structure–activity relationships of phencyclidine (PCP) derivatives. The effects of 3-MeO-PCP in humans were not described until 1999 when a chemist using the pseudonym John Q. Beagle wrote that 3-MeO-PCP was qualitatively similar to PCP with comparable potency.[1] Interest in gray-market dissociates accelerated in 2008, when an online research chemical vendor began offering the less potent 4-MeO-PCP.[1] In 2009, a Swiss chemist described the effects of taking the drug on the Bluelight forums.[1] 3-MeO-PCP first became available as a research chemical in 2011.[1] The drug was first reported to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction by the UK on March 29, 2012.[1]
3-MeO-PCP is usually taken orally or nasally, but can also be injected or smoked.[9] Duration and onset of effects varies depending on route of administration. When taken orally, onset takes 30-90 minutes and effects last 4-12 hours.[8] It's effects are described as a dissociative hallucinogen, similar to PCP. Being slightly more potent than PCP, threshold activity is exhibited at 3-5mg, with dissociative effects starting at 5mg.[1] Strong dissociative effects are seen at 10mg-20mg.[1] The effects are generally reported as positive, with more euphoria and mental clarity than similar drugs.[1] Negative effects include hypertension, tachycardia, confusion, and disorientation.[5] In one case of an individual taking a very large oral dose (300-500mg), psychosis and aggressive behaviors, followed by amnesia were observed.[10]
As of 2022, there has been two known deaths that can be attributed to 3-MeO-PCP alone; one in Sweden and one in the UK. There were 14 additional deaths where 3-MeO-PCP was detected in the blood post-mortem.[8]
Legal status
United Kingdom
On October 18, 2012, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in the United Kingdom released a report about methoxetamine, saying that the "harms of methoxetamine are commensurate with Class B of the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971)".[11] The report went on to suggest that all analogues of MXE should also become class B drugs and suggested a catch-all clause covering both existing and unresearched arylcyclohexylamines, including 3-MeO-PCP.[3]
United States
3-MeO-PCP is not a controlled substance in the United States but possession or distribution of 3-MeO-PCP for human use could potentially be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act due to its structural and pharmacological similarities to PCP.[12]
Canada
Canada's Controlled Drugs And Substances Act has for years placed all PCP analogues, derivatives, salts and further children thereof under a Schedule 1 prohibition, alongside opioids, cocaine and other top-ranked illegal psychoactives. As such, 3-MeO-PCP is automatically banned, although it is not mentioned by name in the schedule. Only PCP and Ketamine are specifically written in.[13]
Sweden
Sweden's public health agency suggested classifying 3-MeO-PCP as hazardous substance on November 10, 2014.[14]
^ abcdefghijklMorris H, Wallach J (2014). "From PCP to MXE: a comprehensive review of the non-medical use of dissociative drugs". Drug Testing and Analysis. 6 (7–8): 614–632. doi:10.1002/dta.1620. PMID24678061.
^ abcWallach J, Brandt SD (2018). Maurer HH, Brandt SD (eds.). "Phencyclidine-Based New Psychoactive Substances". Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. 252. Cham: Springer International Publishing=: 261–303. doi:10.1007/164_2018_124. ISBN978-3-030-10561-7. PMID30105474.
^Wallach J, De Paoli G, Adejare A, Brandt SD (2013). "Preparation and analytical characterization of 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine (PCP) and 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)pyrrolidine (PCPy) analogues". Drug Testing and Analysis. 6 (7–8): 633–650. doi:10.1002/dta.1468. PMID23554350.
^De Paoli G, Brandt SD, Wallach J, Archer RP, Pounder DJ (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): 277–283. doi:10.1093/jat/bkt023. PMID23552616.
^ abcCopeland CS, Hudson S, Treble R, Hamnett HJ (May 2022). "The First Fatal Intoxication with 3-MeO-PCP in the UK and a Review of the Literature". Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 46 (5): 461–470. doi:10.1093/jat/bkac015. PMID35246686.