IUPAC Name
1-[1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl]piperidine
Current Scheduling Status
Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class
Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
3-Methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) (chemical name: 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine) is an arylcyclohexylamine and a 3-methoxy derivative of phencyclidine (PCP), which is controlled under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. It is found as a powder and tablets.
WHO review history
3-methoxyphencyclidine 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
3-methoxyphencyclidine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist with a mechanism of action and effects similar to those of PCP. The effects include an altered mental state characterized by confusion, disorientation and out-of-body experiences as well as hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.
Dependence potential
No studies have been reported in animals or humans on the dependence potential of 3-methoxyphencyclidine.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
As 3-methoxyphencyclidine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, it would be expected to have similar effects and similar abuse potential to those of PCP. The adverse effects include cardiovascular effects (such as hypertension and tachycardia) and cognitive effects including psychosis, confusion and agitation. People with a history of or vulnerability to psychotic illness may be at greater risk of psychosis. Cases of severe and fatal intoxication have been reported from several countries and regions. Seizures have been reported in a number of countries in several regions.
Therapeutic usefulness
3-methoxyphencyclidine is not known to have any therapeutic use.
Recommendation
3-Methoxyphencyclidine (chemical name: 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl) cyclohexyl]piperidine) is an analogue of and has similar effects to PCP, which is controlled under Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Its mode of action suggests a likelihood of abuse. There is evidence that this substance is used in a number of countries in various regions. 3-Methoxyphencyclidine causes substantial harm, including severe adverse events such as hallucinations, other psychotic symptoms and fatal intoxications. It has no therapeutic use.
Recommendation: The Committee recommended that 3-methoxyphencyclidine (chemical name: 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl) cyclohexyl]piperidine) be added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
3-Methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) (chemical name: 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine) is an arylcyclohexylamine and a 3-methoxy derivative of phencyclidine (PCP), which is controlled under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. It is found as a powder and tablets.
WHO review history
3-methoxyphencyclidine 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
3-methoxyphencyclidine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist with a mechanism of action and effects similar to those of PCP. The effects include an altered mental state characterized by confusion, disorientation and out-of-body experiences as well as hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.
Dependence potential
No studies have been reported in animals or humans on the dependence potential of 3-methoxyphencyclidine.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
As 3-methoxyphencyclidine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, it would be expected to have similar effects and similar abuse potential to those of PCP. The adverse effects include cardiovascular effects (such as hypertension and tachycardia) and cognitive effects including psychosis, confusion and agitation. People with a history of or vulnerability to psychotic illness may be at greater risk of psychosis. Cases of severe and fatal intoxication have been reported from several countries and regions. Seizures have been reported in a number of countries in several regions.
Therapeutic usefulness
3-methoxyphencyclidine is not known to have any therapeutic use.
Recommendation
3-Methoxyphencyclidine (chemical name: 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl) cyclohexyl]piperidine) is an analogue of and has similar effects to PCP, which is controlled under Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Its mode of action suggests a likelihood of abuse. There is evidence that this substance is used in a number of countries in various regions. 3-Methoxyphencyclidine causes substantial harm, including severe adverse events such as hallucinations, other psychotic symptoms and fatal intoxications. It has no therapeutic use.
Recommendation: The Committee recommended that 3-methoxyphencyclidine (chemical name: 1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl) cyclohexyl]piperidine) be added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
ECDD Recommendation
Inclusion in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances
Link to full TRS
9789240023024-eng.pdf1.84 MB
MS Questionnaire Report