Talk:DMXE

The compound does not have a clear first synthesis date. DMXE was first reported as being used for recreational purposes in 2020,^[2] and has been increasing in popularity as an alternative to the now-banned MXE. DMXE, alongside another compound, MXiPr, have been sold online as a research chemical/designer drug since around October 2020.^[3][4]

It is rarely sold on the streets and is almost exclusively sold as a gray-area research chemical alternative to the more recognizable MXE for recreational and entheogenic purposes.

DMXE (Deoxymethoxetamine), or 2-(ethylamino)-2-(3-methylphenyl)-cyclohexanone, is classed as an arylcyclohexylamine, similar to PCP, ketamine, and MXE, which include a cyclohexane ring bound to an aromatic ring along with an amine group. It is an analog of MXE (Methoxetamine) distinguished by the replacement of the methoxy group at the 3-position with a methyl group. This modification removes an oxygen atom, hence Deoxy-(without oxygen)-methoxetamine, creating a more hydrophobic and less bulky molecule, which slightly alters its pharmacological effects compared to MXE.

DMXE features a phenyl ring that has a methyl (CH₃) substituent at the R₃ position, which is connected to a cyclohexane structure. This cyclohexane ring is modified at the R₂ position with an oxo group, defining it as a cyclohexanone. Attached to the same site (R₁) on the cyclohexanone ring is an ethylamino chain (-N-CH₂CH₃).

It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature that is sparingly soluble at 10mg/mL in ethanol as well as DMSO. DMXE is stable for approximately 5 years when stored at -20°C.^[5]

DMXE acts as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist. NMDARs (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors) are specific types of glutamate receptors which modulate the transmission of electrical signals between neurons in the brain and spinal cord; for the signals to pass, the receptor must be open. The substance has shown a IC₅₀ (half-maximal inhibitory concentration), which measures the potency of DMXE and related compounds in blocking NMDARs, of 0.679mM, indicating significant potency. DMXE and related compounds bind to the phcyclidine (PCP) site of NMDARs, which was determined via in silico docking results. This binding is implicated in the antagonistic activity observed, which includes the blocking of NMDA-induced inward currents in a dose-dependent manner. DMXE shows a high affinity and potent inhibitory capacity comparable to that of other MXE analogs like MXiPr and O-desmethyl MXE, with some variations in potency explained by different interactions at the receptor site. Additionally, DMXE significantly reduces excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked in the presence of NMDA.^[6]

Dissociatives inhibit the normal functioning NMDA receptors by binding to and blocking them. This disruption of neural network activity leads to loss of normal cognitive and affective processing, psychomotor functioning, anesthesia and eventually the equivalent of a “k-hole.”

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

Experience reports

There are currently 0 experience reports which describe the effects of this substance in our experience index.

Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: DMXE

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational DMXE use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown.

This is because DMXE is a research chemical with a very brief history of human usage.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.

Lethal dosage

Tolerance and addiction potential

Dangerous interactions

Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.

Due to similarities to other known and similar compounds, it is advised to use their safety profile when it comes to interactions:

• Alcohol - Both substances cause ataxia and bring a very high risk of vomiting and unconsciousness. If the user falls unconscious while under the influence there is a severe risk of vomit aspiration if they are not placed in the recovery position.
• GHB / GBL - Both substances cause ataxia and bring a risk of vomiting and unconsciousness. If the user falls unconscious while under the influence there is a severe risk of vomit aspiration if they are not placed in the recovery position.
• Opioids - Both substances bring a risk of vomiting and unconsciousness. If the user falls unconscious while under the influence there is a severe risk of vomit aspiration if they are not placed in the recovery position.
• Tramadol - Tramadol lowers the seizure threshold. Both substances increase the risk of vomiting and unconsciousness.
• Amphetamines - No unexpected interactions, though likely to increase blood pressure (likely not an issue with sensible doses). Moving around on high doses of this combination may be ill-advised due to risk of physical injury.
• Cocaine - No unexpected interactions, though likely to increase blood pressure (likely not an issue with sensible doses). Moving around on high doses of this combination may be ill-advised due to risk of physical injury.
• Benzodiazepines - Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if the user is not placed in the recovery position.
• Trazodone - When used as a sleep aid and taken close to that of a dose of ketamine, there is a risk of respiratory depression when high amounts of either are consumed.
• Grapefruit - Grapefruit juice might increase absorption of DMXE. This may result in the user having higher concentrations of DMXE in their system compared to normal. The DMXE may also have a longer duration of effect. This likely applies to oral, sublingual, and intranasal administration.
• MAOI - MAO-B is known to effect similar substances and their potency. MAOIs in general increase blood pressure, which could cause a spike if both are used.

• US: DMXE itself is not scheduled, but due to its similarities to now schedule I MXE, one can be prosecuted for under the Federal Analog Act, which states any chemical "substantially similar" to a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or II to be treated as if it were listed in Schedule I, but only if intended for human consumption.
• CA: DMXE is on Schedule 1 in Canada.
• DE: DMXE is regulated under the NpSG in Germany.
• UK: DMXE is scheduled under Class B in the United Kingdom.

• Responsible use
• Research chemical
• Dissociatives
• Arylcyclohexylamines
• Methoxetamine
• Ketamine

(List along order below)

• (Wikipedia)
• (PubChem)
• (Erowid Vault)
• (ScienceDirect)
• (CaymanChemical)
• (Wikipedia)

Irie, T., Yanase, Y., Demizu, Y., Usami, M., & Kikura-Hanajiri, R. (2022). Derivatives of methoxetamine and major methoxetamine metabolites potently block NMDA receptors. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 150(4), 233-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphs.2022.09.005

• APA formatted reference

Please see the citation formatting guide if you need assistance properly formatting citations.