3-HO-PCE Facts
Dissociative;
Description
3-HO-PCE (3-hydroxyeticyclidine) is a synthetic dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class. It blocks glutamate signaling and simultaneously activates opioid receptors, producing dissociative detachment layered with warmth and analgesia.[1][2]
Subjective effects include dissociation, pain suppression, euphoria, bodily warmth, sedation, and cognitive disconnection. The experience is warmer and more euphoric than ketamine — the opioid layer adds a physical glow absent from most dissociatives.
3-HO-PCE carries meaningful physical dependence risk, and the toxic dose is completely unknown.safety citation needed The opioid component means combining it with other depressants can suppress breathing through two mechanisms at once — and standard drug tests will not identify it in an emergency.[3]
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 15 – 30 minLasts 4 – 6 hoursAfter-effects 2 – 6 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Moderate
- Chronic toxicity
- Moderate
- Physical dependence
- Moderate
- Psychological dependence
- Moderate
- Withdrawal
- Mild
- Compulsive redosing
- High
Tolerance
- Builds
- Moderate
- Fully resets after
- 10.5 days
- Carries over to
- ketamine;
PCP; DXM; MXE; 3-HO-PCP; 3-MeO-PCE; O-PCE; nitrous oxide
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- none likely · 36 possible, including Vestibular distortion, Spatial disorientation, Visual haze / noise
- Body
- Nystagmus (eye wobbles);
Sedation; Pain suppression; Motor control impairment; +30 possible, including Dizziness, Dehydration sensation, Nausea - Thinking
- Cognitive impairment;
+29 possible, including Confusion, Decision impairment, Information processing suppression - Feeling
- none likely · 9 possible, including Paranoia, Anxiety, Depression
- Self
- none likely · 10 possible, including Depersonalization, Derealization, Communication suppression
- Time
- none likely · 3 possible, including Temporal disorientation
- Awareness
- none likely · 3 possible
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations60 recorded
Seek help immediately if
- Severe disorientation; unable to move or speak (deep dissociation / "k-hole")
- Complete loss of coordination — cannot stand or walk safely
- Vomiting while incapacitated (choking / aspiration risk)
- Very high blood pressure; fast heart rate
- Slow or shallow breathing at high doses (especially mixed with depressants)
- Unconsciousness; rarely, seizures
What to do
- Move them somewhere safe, away from stairs, water, roads, and sharp edges — they cannot protect themselves
- Place in the recovery position if vomiting or unconscious (aspiration is a key risk)
- Stay with them and reassure calmly; keep the environment quiet
- If breathing is slow/shallow or they are unresponsive, call emergency services
- Do not let them wander; do not leave them alone
- Be ready to give rescue breaths / CPR
Effects wear off with time in a safe, monitored setting. The main dangers are physical injury and aspiration while incapacitated, and respiratory depression when combined with other depressants — not the dissociation itself.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE
References
- [1]^Martin D, Lodge D (1988) Phencyclidine receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonism: electrophysiologic data correlates with known behaviours — Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior PMID:2854262
- [2]^Itzhak Y, Kalir A, Sarne Y (1981) On the opioid nature of phencyclidine and its 3-hydroxy derivative — European Journal of Pharmacology doi:10.1016/0014-2999(81)90097-2
- [3]^Gicquel T, Richeval C, Mesli V, Gish A, Hakim F, Pelletier R, Cornez R, Balgairies A, Allorge D, Gaulier JM (2021) Fatal intoxication related to two new arylcyclohexylamine derivatives (2F-DCK and 3-MeO-PCE) — Forensic Science International doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110852