Methoxphenidine (1-(1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl) Piperidine; 2-meo-diphenidine): Preliminary Data On Chemical, Pharmacological and Clinical Effects

Abstract

Introduction Due to the growing demand for alternatives to arylcyclohexylamine-type substances, a new dissociative and hallucinogenic drug, Methoxphenidine (2-MXP; (±)-1-[1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl] piperidine; 2-Meo-diphenidine) has been recently appeared in the drug market. Very little information is still available in the scientific literature on this new compound. Recently, it was identified in UK a death associated to this drug. Aims of this paper is here to provide a comprehensive overview on pharmacology, chemical and psychoactive effects of 2-MXP. Methods Given the limited available evidence, data in scientific literature were integrated with a qualitative assessment of online drug-user-oriented fora and blogs. A Multilanguage internet snapshot study was undertaken by typing a specified set of keywords on Google® and Yahoo® search engines. Results 2-MXP, structurally analogue to diphenidine, was introduced in the market as the replacement to illegal methoxetamine (MXE). Anecdotal reports suggest 2-MXP has greater oral potency. 2-MXP may act as a selected NMDA antagonist and probably it may have a dopamine reuptake inhibitor action, according to the effects reported by online drug users. Currently, there are not peer-reviewed epidemiological, toxicological, pharmacological and clinical data about recreational use of 2-MXP. According to online drug users, it induces dissociation, visual effects and seems to be associated with seizures at heavy dosages. Conclusions There is the need of further studies on its toxicological and pharmacological pattern as well as investigate its potential psychotropic and adverse effects, in order to confirm and better describe its recreational use.