MXE

MXE emerged around 2010 as a grey-market ketamine substitute and has been studied preclinically in rodent models. Behavioural studies in Wistar rats show biphasic effects: stimulant and anxiogenic at lower doses, sedative/anaesthetic at higher doses, with disruption of sensorimotor gating. Pharmacokinetic data indicate peak brain levels at 30 minutes and a duration exceeding ketamine, with accumulation in brain tissue suggesting increased toxicity risk. Preclinical research has identified potential antidepressant and analgesic properties mediated through glutamatergic and serotonergic mechanisms, but human clinical data are entirely absent. Case reports document severe toxicity including profound agitation at high doses and fatalities have been reported. Abuse liability has been demonstrated in animal studies, and user reports indicate significant addiction potential.