O-PCE Facts
Dissociative;
Description
O-PCE (2-oxo-PCE, eticyclidone) is a synthetic dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class. It blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, producing deep dissociation — detachment from body, environment, and sense of self.
Subjective effects include dissociation, depersonalization, derealization, analgesia, amnesia, and pronounced motor impairment. The experience is heavier and more enveloping than ketamine — a deep cognitive detachment that feels immersive and difficult to navigate.[1]
No lethal dose has been established, and no dependence studies exist, but O-PCE's acute toxicity is more severe than ketamine's — a 16% seizure rate in acute poisonings sets it apart.[2] One fatality involved combining it with the antidepressant venlafaxine,[3] and CNS depressants add respiratory depression risk.
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 20 – 40 minLasts 3 – 6 hoursAfter-effects 4 – 48 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Moderate
- Chronic toxicity
- Moderate
- Physical dependence
- Low
- Psychological dependence
- Moderate
- Withdrawal
- None recorded
- Compulsive redosing
- Moderate
Tolerance
- Builds
- Moderate
- Fully resets after
- 14 days
- Carries over to
- ketamine;
deschloroketamine; methoxetamine; PCP; DXM; nitrous oxide
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- Touch suppression;
Spatial disorientation; +34 possible, including Double vision, Visual acuity suppression, Vestibular distortion - Body
- Motor control impairment;
Pain suppression; Body high; Nystagmus (eye wobbles); +28 possible, including Dizziness, Insomnia, Nausea - Thinking
- Cognitive impairment;
+29 possible, including Memory suppression, Confusion, Decision impairment - Feeling
- Euphoria;
+11 possible, including Empathy suppression, Anhedonia, Anxiety - Self
- Derealization;
+10 possible, including Depersonalization, Social disconnection, Communication suppression - Time
- Time alteration;
+4 possible, including Temporal disorientation - Awareness
- none likely · 2 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]
- [2]^Tang MHY, Chong YK, Chan CY, Ching CK, Lai CK, Li YK, Mak TWL (2018) Cluster of acute poisonings associated with an emerging ketamine analogue, 2-oxo-PCE — Forensic Science International doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.014
- [3]^Theofel N, Möller P, Vejmelka E, Kastner K, Roscher S, Scholtis S, Tsokos M (2019) A Fatal Case Involving N-Ethyldeschloroketamine (2-Oxo-PCE) and Venlafaxine — Journal of Analytical Toxicology doi:10.1093/jat/bky063