Discussion: Phencyclidine (PCP) & Methoxetamine

[HEISENBERG]

Phencyclidine (PCP) & Methoxetamine​

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a synthetic compound that falls under the class of dissociative drugs, originally developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. However, its medical use was discontinued due to the severe side effects it caused, including delirium and hallucinations. Despite its discontinuation in medical practice, PCP found a place in recreational use due to its psychoactive effects.

PCP binds to the NMDA receptor without activating it, preventing glutamate from binding to its site. This blockage inhibits the excitatory actions of glutamate, leading to a decrease in the activity of neurons. Since these receptors are involved in sensory perception, emotion, pain recognition, and the processing of memories, their inhibition by PCP leads to significant alterations in these processes.

While NMDA receptor antagonism is the primary mechanism through which PCP exerts its effects, it also interacts with other neurotransmitter systems, contributing to its complex pharmacological profile:

• PCP increases dopaminergic neurotransmission by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, leading to an increase in dopamine levels within certain brain regions. This action is associated with the euphoria and addictive potential of PCP.
• It modulates the serotonergic system, affecting mood, perception, and various cognitive functions.
• PCP has been found to interact with sigma opioid receptors, which may contribute to its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, as well as its hallucinogenic properties.

The use of PCP is associated with significant risks, including acute psychological effects like anxiety, paranoia, and potentially dangerous delusions. In some cases, it can lead to violent behavior towards oneself or others. Chronic use may result in cognitive deficits, memory loss, and speech difficulties.


Methoxetamine (MXE) is a synthetic dissociative substance that is chemically related to PCP and ketamine. It emerged in the recreational drug market in the 2010s and has been used for its unique psychoactive properties. Like PCP and ketamine, MXE acts primarily through antagonism of the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor, but it also interacts with other neurotransmitter systems.

In addition to its NMDA receptor antagonism, MXE has been reported to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, among other functions. This action could potentially contribute to mood elevation effects reported by some users of MXE.


Combining PCP and MXE could amplify both the desired and adverse effects due to their similar pharmacological profiles. The simultaneous blockade of NMDA receptors might intensify the dissociative effects, potentially leading to a more profound alteration in perception and consciousness. However, this combination also increases the risk of negative outcomes:

1. Enhanced Cognitive and Motor Impairments: Both substances can impair judgment, motor coordination, and the ability to process information, raising the risk of accidents and injuries.
2. Increased Psychological Risk: The combination could lead to severe disorientation, confusion, and a higher chance of experiencing frightening hallucinations or psychotic episodes.
3. Physiological Risks: There's an increased risk of hypertension, tachycardia, and other cardiovascular problems. Additionally, the potential for neurotoxic effects may be heightened when these substances are combined.

Given its complex interaction with the brain's neurotransmitter systems and the profound changes it induces in perception and cognition, PCP use requires caution and awareness of its potentially severe side effects. By adding a drug similar in mechanism to such a substance, you significantly increase the risks of dangerous health and mental conditions that can cause irreparable damage. In addition, the recreational powers of these substances individually are quite enough not to amplify their effects.

All things considered, we recommend avoiding this combination under any conditions.