Effects of Methoxetamine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment
Is MXE Harmful?
MXE, also known as methoxetamine, is a substance with similar chemical properties to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP), two illicit drugs known for their hallucinogenic and dissociative properties.1 MXE is an odorless, white powder that may be taken orally, inhaled through the nose, or injected.
MXE users may experience pleasurable feelings of euphoria and enlightenment for up to 24 hours after using the drug.2 However, taking too much or having a bad reaction to MXE may lead to psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, and/or cardiovascular problems.
MXE can also cause a range of negative side effects, including sensory distortions, paranoia, and problems with speech and communication.
Despite legal restrictions placed on the recreational use of similar drugs—PCP and ketamine—there are currently no federal restrictions on the sale of MXE in the United States.1 The potential harms of the drug haven’t gone unnoticed, however, with some states having recently passed laws banning the sale of MXE. As is the case with other synthetic drugs like Spice and bath salts, manufacturers of MXE often label the drugs “not for human consumption” in order to skirt legal restrictions.
MXE Short-Term Effects
MXE produces short-term effects that users may find pleasurable, including:3
- A sense of intense happiness, or euphoria.
- Enhanced empathy.
- Increased sociability.
- Feelings of peace and calm.
- Heightened sensory experiences.
- Visual hallucinations.
- Dissociation.
- Increased introspection.
- Out-of-body sensations.
- Spiritual and transcendent experiences.
The satisfying short-term effects of MXE may lead users to take more of the drug in the future. In some cases, a user may have an adverse reaction to MXE or may experience an MXE overdose—a condition that can be fatal. Additionally, long-term MXE use can have mounting negative effects on the body.
MXE Side Effects
In addition to the intoxicating short-term effects sought by users, MXE can also produce undesirable side effects, such as:2,3
- Slurred speech.
- Difficulty with communication.
- Confusion.
- Anxiety.
- Agitation.
- Fear and/or paranoia.
- A distorted sense of time, distance, and body image.
- Restlessness.
- A sensation of being near death.
- Muscle incoordination.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
Long-Term Effects of Abusing MXE
Unfortunately, the long-term negative effects of MXE use on users’ physical and mental health are relatively unknown.2 This may be due to the drug’s more recent emergence, especially when compared to other well-researched drugs. The first report on the negative effects of MXE was not published until 2010.2 To date, few studies have followed MXE users over a long period of time to determine the impact of chronic use.
While little is known about the long-term effects of MXE use, research on its chemical cousin—ketamine—provides cause for concern. Chronic use of ketamine is linked to:5
- Kidney dysfunction.
- Severe abdominal pain—known as k-cramps.
- Depression.
- Psychosis.
- Memory impairments.
Ketamine use can also cause ulcerative cystitis, a chronic condition that involves frequent and urgent urination, bleeding, and incontinence.
One false assumption is that MXE is safer to use than ketamine and does not cause kidney and bladder problems. Research studies on animals have found that repeated MXE use can, in fact, similarly lead to bladder inflammation and kidney damage.2
MXE Dependence
While there is little data on the potential for MXE to cause physical dependence,2 users may find over time that they become addicted to the drug. There are many self-reported experiences of use of more MXE than was originally intended.2 Initially, users may begin taking the drug recreationally and feel in control of their use. However, in some cases, people who continue to use MXE will start to find that their use grows out of their control.
Professionals use the term “substance use disorder” to diagnose problematic drug use in clients. Signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder include:6
- Taking more of a drug than intended.
- Feeling unable to cut down or stop using a drug.
- Spending a long time acquiring, using, or recovering from a drug.
- Strong urges to use.
- Difficulty carrying out responsibilities at work, home, or school because of drug use.
- Continuing to use despite problems in relationships.
- Giving up activities that were once important because of drug use.
- Using in dangerous situations, like when driving or operating machinery.
- Continuing to use a drug despite physical and psychological problems associated with use.
- Developing a tolerance (experiencing less of an effect with the same amount of a drug or needing larger amounts in order to achieve the desired effects).
- Withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use of a drug.
If you experience at least 2 of the symptoms of a substance use disorder, you may have a problem with MXE. Addiction treatment may be beneficial to help you quit using drugs and maintain sobriety.
MXE Withdrawal Treatment
- Depression.
- Impaired cognition.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
There are currently no approved medications to treat MXE withdrawal. This is likely due to the fact that there is limited research on MXE and how to effectively treat this type of addiction.
MXE users experiencing withdrawal may benefit from medical supervision. Detox centers can monitor symptoms and treat complications that may arise. Detox programs can also assess the severity of a person’s substance use problem and determine whether further treatment is needed.
Continuing MXE Addiction Treatment
Treatment programs may offer different services for individuals struggling with MXE addiction:
- Inpatient treatment offers intensive therapy and support within a drug-free living environment. Clients stay at a treatment facility for a period of time that may range from a few weeks to several months until they are ready to transition home or to a lower level of care.
- Outpatient treatment is another option for MXE treatment that may either be a first step or act as a step-down level of care for those exiting inpatient programs. Outpatient rehab offers group, individual, and/or family therapy each week. Clients are able to live on their own and have fewer restrictions.
Creating an aftercare plan is important as treatment comes to an end. Aftercare may involve meeting with a therapist or counselor, attending recovery meetings like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, and/or staying in a sober living home. Aftercare plans are important in early recovery because they help to reduce exposure to triggers and provide structure and accountability.
If you know someone who is struggling with MXE addiction, consider treatment. Quitting MXE can reduce a person’s likelihood of experiencing negative short- and long-term effects in the future. Please call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at to speak with a treatment placement specialist and get started today.