2-methoxydiphenidine

Alternative names
2-MXP, 2MEO-Diphenidine
IUPAC Name

2-(Ethylamino)-1-phenyl-1-hexanone

Current Scheduling Status
None
Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class

Recommendation (from TRS)

Substance identification
2-Methoxydiphenidine (chemical name: 1-[1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2- phenylethyl]piperidine) is also known as 2-MeO-diphenidine, 2-MXP and methoxphenidine. It is a dissociative and hallucinogenic substance of the 1,2-diarylethylamine class. It is found as a powder and tablets.

WHO review history
2-methoxydiphenidine has not been formally reviewed by WHO and is not currently under international control. Information was brought to WHO’s attention that this substance is manufactured clandestinely, poses a risk to public health and has no recognized therapeutic use.

Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
Like PCP, 2-methoxydiphenidine is an NMDA receptor antagonist and has PCP-like effects. Phencyclidine is controlled under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.

Dependence potential
No studies have been reported in animals or humans on the dependence potential of 2-methoxydiphenidine.

Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
As 2-methoxydiphenidine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, its effects and abuse potential would be expected to be similar to those of PCP. A few case reports, often involving multiple substances, describe adverse effects, including acute behavioural effects such as agitation, sedation, depersonalization, hallucinations, delusions and paranoia and physical effects such as tachycardia, syncope and hyperthermia. Online forums present reports from individuals describing its use and effects such as euphoria. While reports of 2-methoxydiphenidine use and its harm are available from a number of countries, these have been less frequent during the past two years, and it is possible that there is no longer significant use of this substance.

Therapeutic usefulness
2-methoxydiphenidine is not known to have any therapeutic use.

Recommendation
2-Methoxydiphenidine (chemical name: 1-[1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2- phenylethyl]piperidine) has a mechanism of action similar to that of PCP. Its use has been declining in recent years. There is insufficient evidence of a public health or social problem at this time to warrant placing 2-methoxydiphenidine under international control.

Recommendation: The Committee recommended that 2-Methoxydiphenidine (chemical name: 1-[1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl]piperidine) be kept under surveillance by the WHO Secretariat.

ECDD Recommendation

Placed under surveillance