Arylcyclohexylamines
Arylcyclohexylamine refers to a class of compounds which typically produce dissociation, anesthesia and hallucinogenic effects. In recent years, various new drugs have been emerging in the drug market which are commonly called research chemicals (RCs) or designer drugs. RC dissocatives are both specifically sought after for their unique effects and incorrectly sold as other drugs, such as ketamine. Importantly, many of these RC dissociatives, including 3-HO-PCP, have not been studied in humans and may have unexpected and/or dangerous side effects.
(Refer to individual resources for more info on Ketamine and MXE).
Know Your Body & Mind — ‘Set’
Know Your Environment — ‘Setting’
Know Your Drug — Practice Harm Reduction
ADMINISTRATION
- Many Arylcyclohexylamines can be taken intranasal (snorted), oral (swallowed) or injected.
- PCP can also be smoked when in liquid form.
DURATION OF EFFECTS
3-HO-PCP reportedly last between 4-6 hours in total, and it likely takes significantly longer to kick in than ketamine (possibly up to 90 minutes)
Tiletamine is not well documented however peer reports have experienced persistent effects well after the peak of the experience, with it lasting approximately 4-6 hours in total. Other sources suggest it can last 2-5 hours in total when snorted.
2F-NENDCK effects appear to last longer than ketamine, possibly lasting 4-6 hours.
MXE It normally takes 10 to 15 minutes for the effects to be felt, but sometimes it can take 60 to 90 minutes.
PCP (intranasal) typically lasts 2-4 hours, 10-20min onset however can be delayed by up to 30-90mins.
PCP (smoking): total duration 2-6 hours, onset 1-5 mins, peak 15-30 mins, coming down 2-5 hours.
PCP half life is stored in the body’s fat tissue and slowly releases over time, it can take up to three days to break down in the body.
DRUG TESTS
Roadside Police: Roadside saliva tests do not look for Arylcyclohexylamines however other substances can be detected that might have been cut into them. It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illicit drugs, including speed and any driver may be subject to a roadside behavioural impairment test. Wait at least 48 hours before driving.
Drug Checking: Lab-quality testing is recommended for best results and is available in Canberra (ACT) and in Brisbane & Gold Coast (QLD).
SAFER DOSING
Taking drugs is never without risk. In an unregulated market it’s difficult to know the purity or dose of any drug.
- Start with a very small amount to test the strength. Give it time to feel the effects before redosing, it can quickly become too much.
- Due to its potency, these substances are commonly used in small doses (‘bumps’) rather than larger amounts (‘lines’).
- If injecting- especially IV- only have SMALL amounts as it comes on IMMEDIATELY and you usually k-hole right away.
- If redosing, wait at least 2 hours
- Tiletamine & 2F-NENDCK are more potent than ketamine, meaning it requires a smaller dose to achieve a similar intensity of effects. An exact dosage guide for these substances is not available but it is always recommended to start at a low dose and wait before redosing.
- The following is a rough dosage guide for Ketamine: Low dose – 20-50 mg, Medium dose – 50-125 mg, Strong dose – 125-175 mg, Heavy dose, possible anesthesia – 175+ mg
- The following is a rough dosage guide for 3-HO-PCP: Low dose – 2-4 mg, Moderate dose – 4-6 mg, Strong dose – 6-8 mg, Heavy dose, possible overdose – 8+ mg
- The following is a rough dosage guide for PCP: Low to Moderate dose (intranasal): 5mg – 10mg, Heavy dose, possible life-threatening effects: 20mg +, Moderate dose (intramuscular or intravenous): 0.01–0.02 mg/kg
Physical effects
Emotional effects
Psychological effects
The commonly reported effects of 3-HO-PCP include: Euphoria, Stimulation or sedation, Pain relief, Visual distortions (stop motion effect, blurry or double vision), Altered perception of space and time, Dissociation of mind from body, Enhanced music appreciation, Visual and auditory hallucinations, Poor coordination, Dizziness, Increased blood pressure, Increased heart rate, Sweating.
The commonly reported effects of PCP include: Similar to effects listed in 3-HO-PCP, PCP also includes: Emotional and cognitive impairment that resembles a schizophrenic episode, Unexpected mood changes, dreamlike and ‘floaty’ or numb feelings, Paranoia, Depersonalisation, Agitation and dysphoria, Suicidal impulses, Aggressive behaviour, Induced feelings of strength and power, High doses can lead to convulsions.
The reported effects of 2F-NENDCK include: Dissociation of mind from body, Mild to no euphoria, Strong visual distortions, Disorientation, Nausea, Stimulation/ energisation, Hangover the following day.
The reported effects of Tiletamine include: Due to its similar mechanism of action, tiletamine likely has subjective effects akin to ketamine (refer to flyer) however it lasts much longer. Users also reported having a hangover feeling the following day.
SAFER USING
- Start with a very small amount to test the strength. Give it time to feel the effects before redosing, it can quickly become too much.
- Due to its potency, these substances are commonly used in small doses (‘bumps’) rather than larger amounts (‘lines’).
- If injecting- especially IV- only have SMALL amounts as it comes on IMMEDIATELY and you usually k-hole right away.
- Eating within 1½ hours prior to using ketamine can cause nausea & vomiting
- Have a sober friend present, you may need a trip sitter to assist you!
- Be seated, especially with higher doses due to the effects on coordination
- If redosing, wait at least 2 hours
- Ketamine can increase the chance of developing problems with your urinary tract, do not use if you have an infection or sensitive to getting them.
- Mixing Arylcyclohexylamines with depressants, including alcohol, GHB, and opioids, may be particularly dangerous since the combination could increase the risk of vomiting and unconsciousness.
SNORTING
- Crush the powder so there’s no crystals (sparkles can cause little cuts).
- Snort a small amount of water before and after to avoid damaging the protective lining in your nose
- Use your own clean straw/spoon for snorting to prevent the risk of infection or blood borne virus transmission ‘BBV’ (e.g. hepatitis C, HIV) via microscopic amounts of blood
- Do not use money – it is covered in bacteria.
- Repeated snorting can damage the membranes of the nose leading to blood noses and possible permanent damage to the septum. Switch nostrils regularly and give your nose a break
ORALLY
- Ingesting ketamine results in slightly different effects to snorting or injecting. If taken as a ‘parachute” (wrapping a dose in a cigarette paper) the effects take longer to feel and the experience will last longer. Taking ketamine orally usually results in a less intense experience.
- Drinking is another way of doing it. You can dissolve the crystals/powder in a small amount of water and acidic juice (e.g. citrus or apple).
- Gumming is another less common way of doing it. A small amount is applied on the inside of the lips or gum. This can damage your gums and lips. Gumming is not a common way of taking ketamine as most users find the taste very unpleasant.
INJECTING
- If injecting- especially IV- only have SMALL amounts as it comes on IMMEDIATELY and you usually k-hole right away.
- Avoid Blood Borne Viruses ‘BBVs’ (eg. Hepatitis C, HIV) by using new & sterile syringes & equipment.
- Use sterile water to mix up.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after, you can also use an alcohol swab to clean your fingertips.
- Alcohol wipes can reduce the risk of skin infections if they are used correctly. For maximum effect, swab once, in one direction on the injection site, and leave to dry naturally.
- Dispose of syringes & equipment responsibly in a yellow disposal bin, all NSPs have bins available.
Drug combinations
Possible outcomes. What works for one person may not work for another. We recommend you proceed with caution.
Unsafe combinations
- Alcohol: nausea and vomiting at low doses. It can lead to more serious effects and be fatal at higher doses.
- Depressants (GHB, GBL, Opioids): Can cause vomiting and a loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing & respiratory failure. If the user falls unconscious while under the influence there is a severe risk of vomit aspiration if they are not placed in the recovery position.
Cautionary combinations
- Amphetamines – Increase in blood pressure.
- Benzodiazepine – Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position.
- Cocaine – Increase in blood pressure.
Low risk effects
- Psychedelics: Can intensify psychedelic experience.
- MAOIs e.g. antidepressants & DMT/’changa’ mix: Can intensify psychedelic experience.
Check out the TripSit drug combinations chart here for info on other combinations.
Call 000 if experiencing adverse effects, feel unwell or concerned in any way
Disclaimer
This educational resource has been developed collaboratively by healthcare workers and people who use drugs for their peers and the wider community. The role of Hi-Ground is to provide practical, evidence-based, unbiased information to assist you to make educated choices and to promote harm reduction, community care, and wellbeing.
In an unregulated market it’s impossible to know the purity or dose of any substance. Taking drugs from an unregulated market carries its own risk, and you can educate yourself and practice harm reduction to reduce this risk.
Knowledge is power.
This resource is produced by DanceWize & Hi-Ground