Methoxetamine (MXE) – A Phenomenological Study of Experiences Induced by a “Legal High” from the Internet

Methoxetamine (MXE), a ketamine analogue sold as a "legal high" on the Internet, produces a heavily altered state of consciousness with effects similar to both classic hallucinogens (such as LSD and psilocybin) and the dissociative ketamine. Analysis of 33 anonymous online reports using the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological Method yielded 10 themes, including altered sensory perception, dissolution of identity and body, spiritual and transcendental experiences, and re-dosing and addiction. Negative effects like fear and anxiety were also reported, and acceptance was the best coping strategy. MXE appeared to have a high abuse potential. More research on safety, harm reduction, and motivations for use is needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Methoxetamine (MXE), a ketamine analogue, is one of the new "legal highs" sold on the Internet. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide an initial understanding of what characterizes the experiences induced by MXE. Anonymously written reports (33 persons) on the effects of MXE were collected from public Internet forums and analyzed using the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological Method. The analysis generated 10 themes: (1) preparation, motivation and anticipation; (2) initial effects; (3) malfunction of cognitive processes stabilizing normal state; (4) inner personal processes and learning; (5) emotional processes; (6) altered sensory perception; (7) dissolution and transition; (8) spiritual and transcendental experiences; (9) effects and processes after the experience; (10) re-dosing and addiction. MXE induced a heavily altered state of consciousness. The effects were similar to those induced by classic hallucinogens (such as LSD, psilocybin) and the dissociative ketamine. MXE seemed to have quite a high abuse potential. Beside the positive effects described, negative effects like fear and anxiety were also reported. Acceptance was considered the best coping strategy. Dissolution of identity and body often culminated in spiritual and transcendental experiences. More research is needed on safety issues, how to minimize harm, and the motivation for using legal highs.