Methoxetamine | Overview, Effects, & Risks Of MXE

Methoxetamine is a dissociative drug that’s classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I drugs have no approved medical use and are illegal to possess. 

Some people use methoxetamine anyway because of its dissociative effects. The risks of abusing this designer drug include overdose, addiction, and long-term health problems.

What Is Methoxetamine?

Methoxetamine (MXE) is similar to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP). These drugs are in the class of arylcyclohexylamines that can make you feel disconnected from your body and reality. They may also cause hallucinations at high doses.

The scientific name for MXE is 2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexanone. It’s a ketamine derivative, which means it’s chemically similar to ketamine, an anesthetic used in humans and animals.

Street Names & Use

Common street names for methoxetamine are:

• mket
• mkat
• mexxy
• kmax

One of several new psychoactive substances (NPS), methoxetamine was originally sold online as a legal alternative to similar illegal drugs. For recreational use, people took it to get a “legal high.”

Medical research has found that methoxetamine may be effective as an antidepressant, like ketamine. But it was never approved for medical purposes. 

Controlled Substance Status

Due to MXE’s abuse potential and lack of evidence for medical use, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) added it to the controlled substances act in 2022. 

What Does MXE Look Like?

If you buy methoxetamine on the street, it will likely come as a white powder (though it may also be off-white, beige, or yellow). You can get it as a capsule or liquid, too. People usually snort, swallow, or inject methoxetamine.

Methoxetamine Effects

Methoxetamine can work as an anesthetic, numbing your pain. It also has dissociative effects and can cause euphoria. 

The effects of methoxetamine in low doses include:

• relaxation
• euphoria
• increased empathy
• feelings of emotional closeness
• lack of social inhibition
• an overall fuzziness

In high doses, methoxetamine can cause:

• dissociation from your body or reality
• an intense sensory experience (brighter colors, more vibrant sounds)
• thoughts that seem very important or meaningful
• visual hallucinations
• clumsiness; lack of coordination

M-Hole

Taking high doses of MXE can lead to a drug trip called the M-hole. For many people, this experience involves adverse effects, such as:

• agitation
• anxiety
• confusion
• disorientation
• dizziness
• high blood pressure
• rapid heart rate
• paranoia
• loss of coordination (staggering)
• repeated compulsive movements, like tapping or pacing
• nausea and vomiting

The effects of methoxetamine may linger a long time. Some people feel slow-witted for hours after the enjoyable effects wear off. They may have trouble sleeping for days afterward.

According to DrugScience, it’s often the case that “a powerful experience will feel unpleasantly draining.”

Risks Of MXE

As a ketamine analogue, methoxetamine has the potential to cause dependence. 

Like other drugs of abuse, methoxetamine affects dopamine receptors. Studies in rats have revealed reward-seeking behavior that reinforces the use of MXE. If you regularly abuse it, you may become addicted to it. 

Abusing MXE may also lead to overdose and long-term health problems.

MXE Overdose

Methoxetamine doesn’t take effect as quickly as ketamine but its effects last much longer. You also need a much smaller amount to get high. These factors make it easy to overdose. 

Some people take more MXE while waiting to feel its effects because they think it isn’t working. Then they’ve taken too much, which can result in: 

• confusion
• disorientation
• agitation
• fear or panic
• risky behavior
• loss of coordination
• accidents or falls that lead to serious injury

MXE overdose symptoms tend to be more severe than those of a ketamine overdose. Mixing MXE with other drugs increases the risk of overdose and may cause other issues.

Methoxetamine combined with another central nervous system (CNS) depressant (alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or party drugs like GHB) is dangerous. A depressant overdose can produce:

• loss of control over movements
• slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• loss of consciousness

Taking MXE with CNS stimulants may raise your heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels. Mixing it with cannabis or other hallucinogens increases the risk of disturbing visions and panic attacks.

Long-Term Effects Of MXE Use

Since methoxetamine is a relatively new drug, there aren’t many case reports on its long-term effects. But since it’s similar to ketamine and PCP, abusing it is likely to have similar health consequences. 

Long-term use of methoxetamine may cause:

• heart problems
• breathing problems
• kidney damage
• bladder inflammation
• memory loss
• trouble with speech
• panic attacks
• depression

MXE Abuse & Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are abusing methoxetamine, now is the time to stop. Comprehensive rehab programs are available to help you replace substance abuse with healthier habits that lead to a happier, more meaningful life. 

At Ark Behavioral Health, we provide personalized care for drug abuse and addiction. Our programs combine evidence-based methods like behavioral therapy with exercise and nutrition for whole-person healing. 

Reach out to one of our treatment specialists today to learn more.