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DMXE Facts

Dissociative; Arylcyclohexylamine; NMDA receptor antagonist

Description

DMXE (deoxymethoxetamine) is a synthetic dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class — the same family as ketamine and PCP. It blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, producing the disconnection from body, environment, and self characteristic of dissociatives.[1]

Subjective effects include euphoria, dissociation, cognitive disconnection, geometric visual patterns, and unusual sociability. The experience is warm and introspective — lighter than MXE, gently stimulating at lower doses and deeply immersive at higher ones.

No physical dependence is documented, but compulsive within-session redosing is widely reported. Hazards documented in related compounds include seizures and cardiovascular stress,[2] persistent psychosis,[3] and bladder damage with chronic use;[4] combining with serotonin-active drugs risks fatal overheating.

Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies

Oral(mg)
Threshold< 10 mgLight10 – 35 mgCommon35 – 55 mgStrong55 – 90 mgHeavy90+ mg

Starts in 15 – 30 minLasts 3 – 7 hoursAfter-effects 2 – 12 hours

Body and dependence

Acute toxicity
Moderate
Chronic toxicity
Moderate
Physical dependence
Negligible
Psychological dependence
Moderate
Withdrawal
Mild
Compulsive redosing
High

Tolerance

Builds
Rapid
Fully resets after
14 days
Carries over to
ketamine; methoxetamine; phencyclidine; deschloroketamine; 2-FDCK; O-PCE

Effectslikely at a common dose

Perception
Spatial disorientation; +32 possible, including Vestibular distortion, Double vision, Visual acuity suppression
Body
Body scan awareness; Motor control impairment; Pain suppression; Sedation; +25 possible, including Dizziness, Nystagmus (eye wobbles), Headache
Thinking
Cognitive impairment; Decision impairment; +30 possible, including Confusion, Information processing suppression, Memory suppression
Feeling
none likely · 9 possible, including Anxiety, Emotional lability
Self
Depersonalization; Derealization; +11 possible, including Social disconnection, Communication suppression, Craving
Time
Temporal disorientation; +3 possible
Awareness
none likely · 5 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
Psychotic disorders (personal or family history); Pregnancy; Concurrent MAO inhibitor use; Concurrent high-dose SNRI/SSRI use
Relative
Cardiovascular disease; History of seizure disorder; Hepatic impairment; Renal impairment; Lower urinary tract disease

Combinations61 recorded

Lethal (1)
GHB, GBL
Dangerous (29)
Benzodiazepines; Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates; Buprenorphine, Kratom; GHB, Baclofen; Naltrexone; NSAIDs; Opioids; THC; Anticholinergics; Antihistamines; Antipsychotics; Clonidine, Guanfacine; Dopamine agonists; Gabapentin, Pregabalin; Ibogaine; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; Lithium; Local anesthetics; MAOIs; MDMA, Amphetamines; MDMA, MDA; NDRIs (Wellbutrin); NRIs; Psychedelics; and 5 more, see full page
Caution (25)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/dmxe
Not graded (6)
Not listed never means safe.

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

  1. Move them somewhere safe, away from stairs, water, roads, and sharp edges — they cannot protect themselves
  2. Place in the recovery position if vomiting or unconscious (aspiration is a key risk)
  3. Stay with them and reassure calmly; keep the environment quiet
  4. If breathing is slow/shallow or they are unresponsive, call emergency services
  5. Do not let them wander; do not leave them alone
  6. 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

Version r1.a1 · Not medical advice

References

  1. [1]
    ^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 doi:10.1016/j.jphs.2022.09.005
  2. [2]
    ^Imbert L, Boucher A, Delhome G, Cueto T, Boudinaud M, Maublanc J, Dulaurent S, Descotes J, Lachatre G, Gaulier JM (2014) Analytical findings of an acute intoxication after inhalation of methoxetamine — Journal of Analytical Toxicology doi:10.1093/jat/bku052
  3. [3]
    ^Moccia L, Tofani A, Mazza M, Covino M, Martinotti G, Schifano F, Janiri L, Di Nicola M (2019) Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Impairment in Methoxetamine-Induced Psychosis: An 18F-FDG PET/CT Case Study — Journal of Psychoactive Drugs doi:10.1080/02791072.2019.1578444
  4. [4]
    ^Castellani D, Pirola GM, Gubbiotti M, Rubilotta E, Gudaru K, Gregori A, Dellabella M (2020) What urologists need to know about ketamine-induced uropathy: A systematic review — Neurourology and Urodynamics doi:10.1002/nau.24341
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