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| Formula | C18H27NO |
| Molar mass | 273.420 g·mol−1 |
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3-Methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) is adissociativehallucinogen of thearylcyclohexylamine class related tophencyclidine (PCP) which has been sold online as adesigner drug.[1][2][3] It has been used acrossEurope and theUnited States. In some cases, consumption has been known to be fatal. It acts mainly as anNMDA receptor antagonist, though it has also been found to interact with thesigmaσ1 receptor and theserotonin transporter.[2][3] The drug does not possess anyopioid activity nor does it act as adopamine reuptake inhibitor.[1][2][3]
3-MeO-PCP has a Ki of 20 nM for thedizocilpine (MK-801) site of theNMDA receptor, 216 nM for theserotonin transporter (SERT), and 42 nM for thesigmaσ1 receptor.[3][2] It does not bind to thenorepinephrine ordopamine transporter nor to the sigmaσ2 receptor (Ki >10,000 nM).[2] Based on its structural similarity to3-hydroxy-PCP (3-HO-PCP), which uniquely among arylcyclohexylamines has highaffinity for theμ-opioid receptor in addition to the NMDA receptor, it was initially expected that 3-MeO-PCP would haveopioid activity.[1][4] However,radioligand binding assays with human proteins have shown that, contrary to common belief, the drug also does not interact with theμ-,δ-, orκ-opioid receptors at concentrations of up to 10,000 nM.[2] As such, the notion that 3-MeO-PCP has opioid activity has been described as a myth.[1]
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 by2-MeO-PCP and4-MeO-PCP.[2][3]
As of 2018, controlled clinical studies have not been performed in humans but theelimination half-life is estimated to be between 10 and 11 hours.[5]
3-MeO-PCP hydrochloride is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of 204–205 °C.[6]
3-MeO-PCP was first synthesized in 1979 to investigate thestructure–activity relationships ofphencyclidine (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 comparablepotency.[1] Interest in gray-market dissociates accelerated in 2008, when an online research chemical vendor began offering the less potent4-MeO-PCP.[1] In 2009, a Swiss chemist described the effects of taking the drug on theBluelight forums.[1] 3-MeO-PCP first became available as a research chemical in 2011.[1] The drug was first reported to theEuropean Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction by the UK on March 29, 2012.[1]
Based on the number of reported intoxications, 3-MeO-PCP is likely more popular than other similar grey marketarylcyclohexylamines.[5] 3-MeO-PCP has been available for purchase online as aresearch chemical.[7] It has been found in drug samples in theUnited Kingdom andItaly. It is also known to be used inFrance,The Netherlands,Sweden,The United States,Spain, and theCzech Republic.[8]
3-MeO-PCP is usually takenorally ornasally, but can also beinjected orsmoked.[9] Duration andonset of effects varies depending onroute of administration. When taken orally, onset takes 30–90 minutes and effects last 4–12 hours.[8] Its effects are described as a dissociative hallucinogen, similar to PCP. Being slightly more potent than PCP, threshold activity is exhibited at 3–5 mg, with dissociative effects starting at 5 mg.[1] Strong dissociative effects are seen at 10 mg-20 mg.[1] The effects are generally reported as positive, with more euphoria and mental clarity than similar drugs.[1] Negative effects includehypertension,tachycardia, confusion, and disorientation.[5] In one case of an individual taking a very large oral dose (300–500 mg),psychosis and aggressive behaviors, followed byamnesia were observed.[10]
As of 2022, there has been two known deaths that can be attributed to 3-MeO-PCP alone; one inSweden and one in the UK. There were 14 additional deaths where 3-MeO-PCP was detected in the bloodpost-mortem.[8]
On October 18, 2012, theAdvisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in theUnited Kingdom released a report aboutmethoxetamine, saying that the "harms of methoxetamine are commensurate withClass B of theMisuse 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]
3-MeO-PCP is not a controlled substance in theUnited States but possession or distribution of 3-MeO-PCP for human use could potentially be prosecuted under theFederal Analogue Act due to its structural and pharmacological similarities to PCP.[12]
Canada'sControlled 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's public health agency suggested classifying 3-MeO-PCP as hazardous substance on November 10, 2014.[14]
3-MeO-PCP is banned in the Czech Republic.[15]
As per Chile'sLey de drogas, aka Ley 20000,[16] all esters and ethers of PCP are illegal. As 3-MeO-PCP is anether of PCP, it is thus illegal.
3-MeO-PCP is neither asalt nor anisomer of PCP,[17] not making it illegal.
If intended for human consumption, 3-MeO-PCP may be treated as a "controlled substance analogue
