3-MeO-PCP Facts
Dissociative;
Description
3-MeO-PCP (3-methoxyphencyclidine) is a synthetic dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class. It blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, producing disconnection from body and environment alongside an unusually energized, stimulant-like quality.
Subjective effects include dissociation, stimulation, visual hallucinations, grandiosity, and cognitive disconnection. The experience differs from most dissociatives — rather than sedation and withdrawal, it produces a driven, energized quality that can escalate rapidly into mania-like disinhibition and frank psychosis.
Dependence potential has never been formally studied, and the toxic dose is unknown — multiple fatalities are documented, nearly all involving other substances.[1][2] The margin between a stimulating dissociative state and a psychiatric emergency is narrow, and amnesia during the experience prevents self-assessment of danger.[3][4]
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 30 – 90 minLasts 4 – 8 hoursAfter-effects 4 – 48 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- High
- Chronic toxicity
- Moderate
- Physical dependence
- Low
- Psychological dependence
- Moderate
- Withdrawal
- None recorded
- Compulsive redosing
- Moderate
Tolerance
- Builds
- Moderate
- Fully resets after
- 10 days
- Carries over to
- PCP;
ketamine; MXE; 3-HO-PCP; DXM; nitrous oxide
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- Visual drifting;
+9 possible, including Spatial disorientation, Visual haze / noise - Body
- Pupil dilation;
+10 possible, including Excessive sweating, Dehydration sensation, Dizziness - Thinking
- Confusion;
+7 possible, including Compulsive redosing urge, Memory suppression - Feeling
- none likely · 4 possible, including Anxiety, Mania, Paranoia
- Self
- Disinhibition;
Depersonalization; Derealization
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations61 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]^Arbouche N, Kintz P, Zagdoun C, Gheddar L, Raul JS, Ameline A (2021) Determination of 3-MeO-PCP in human blood and urine in a fatal intoxication case, with a specific focus on metabolites identification — Forensic Sciences Research doi:10.1080/20961790.2021.1928821
- [2]^Copeland CS, Hudson S, Treble R, Hamnett HJ (2022) The First Fatal Intoxication with 3-MeO-PCP in the UK and a Review of the Literature — Journal of Analytical Toxicology doi:10.1093/jat/bkac015
- [3]^Berar A, Allain JS, Allard S, Lefevre C, Baert A, Morel I, Bouvet R, Gicquel T (2019) Intoxication with 3-MeO-PCP alone: A case report and literature review — Medicine doi:10.1097/md.0000000000018295
- [4]^Pepe M, Di Nicola M, Cocciolillo F, Chiappini S, Martinotti G, Calcagni ML, Sani G (2024) 3-Methoxy-Phencyclidine Induced Psychotic Disorder: A Literature Review and an 18F-FDG PET/CT Case Report — Pharmaceuticals (Basel) doi:10.3390/ph17040452