Ketamine & Methoxetamine
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and psychoactive substance known for its diverse pharmacological effects. Ketamine primarily acts as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a type of glutamate receptor in the brain. By blocking NMDA receptors, ketamine disrupts the excitatory neurotransmission mediated by glutamate, leading to a state of dissociation and reduced neuronal excitability.
Interaction with Other Receptors:
- Opioid Receptors: Ketamine interacts with mu and delta opioid receptors, contributing to its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
- Monoaminergic Systems: It affects the reuptake and release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, influencing mood and perception.
- Muscarinic Receptors: Ketamine has antagonistic effects on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which might contribute to its psychotomimetic effects (mimicking symptoms of psychosis).
Methoxetamine (MXE) is a dissociative anesthetic and psychoactive substance that shares some pharmacological similarities with ketamine, but also has unique properties.
Like ketamine, methoxetamine primarily acts as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is a subtype of glutamate receptor in the brain. Blocking NMDA receptors results in reduced excitatory neurotransmission, leading to dissociative and anesthetic effects, as well as alterations in perception and cognition.
Interaction with Other Receptors:
- Serotonin and Dopamine Transporters: Methoxetamine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and dopamine to some extent, contributing to its psychoactive and euphoric effects.
- Sigma Receptors: There is evidence suggesting that MXE interacts with sigma receptors, which are implicated in the modulation of mood, perception, and neuroprotection.
Combining ketamine and MXE can result in complex interactions due to their similar yet distinct pharmacological profiles. Both drugs are dissociatives primarily acting as NMDA receptor antagonists, but they also interact with other neurotransmitter systems.
- Enhanced Dissociation: The combination can amplify dissociative effects, leading to profound alterations in perception and cognition. This can lead to severe cognitive dysfunction, including memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, and executive function deficits.
- Hallucinations and Altered Perception: Both substances can cause visual and auditory hallucinations. When combined, the intensity and duration of these hallucinogenic effects may increase, potentially leading to more vivid and prolonged hallucinations.
- Euphoria and Mood Alteration: Users may experience heightened euphoria, a sense of well-being, and increased sociability. However, this can be accompanied by confusion, anxiety, fear or paranoia. Prolonged use or high doses increase the risk of developing persistent psychiatric conditions such as depression or psychosis.
- Physical Coordination: Both drugs can impair motor skills, causing unsteadiness, loss of balance, and slurred speech. Combined use can significantly impair physical coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Ketamine can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. Similarly, MXE can lead to tachycardia and hypertension. Combined use could exacerbate these cardiovascular effects, posing significant risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Bladder and Urinary Tract Issues: Chronic use of ketamine is known to cause bladder damage and urinary tract issues, a condition known as ketamine cystitis. While MXE was initially thought to be less harmful in this regard, evidence suggests it may also cause similar issues with prolonged use.
- Overdose Risk: Both ketamine and MXE have a relatively narrow therapeutic window. Combining them increases the risk of overdose, which can lead to severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and potentially fatal outcomes.
All things considered, we recommend avoiding this combination under any conditions.
Last edited by a moderator: