PCE (Eticyclidine)
Eticyclidine (PCE, N-ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine) is an arylcyclohexylamine dissociative closely related to PCP, differing by an N-ethyl rather than piperidine group. It is an NMDA receptor antagonist with a dissociative, psychotomimetic profile and only anecdotal human data. It appeared as a grey-market research chemical and is controlled in many jurisdictions.
01 Overview
PCE was one of several PCP analogues explored in early dissociative research and later encountered as a designer drug. Human characterisation is minimal, and its effects are largely extrapolated from PCP and user reports.
Reported effects are dose-dependent dissociation, stimulation, analgesia and, at higher doses, ataxia, anaesthesia and dissociative psychosis. As with related compounds, an uncertain duration and potency make redosing hazardous.
02 Mechanism
Non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist (open-channel blocker), the shared mechanism of the arylcyclohexylamine dissociatives.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (uncertain) | 3–8 mg | Insufflated | Faster onset; poorly characterised. |
| Common (uncertain) | 5–15 mg | Oral | Estimated from limited anecdote. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DissociationDepersonalisation, derealisation and detachment. | Anecdotal | ||
| StimulationEnergising, disinhibiting effect at lower doses. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ataxia and loss of coordinationUnsteady gait, nystagmus and impaired motor control with fall risk. | Moderate | Dose-dependent | Anecdotal | |
| Dissociative psychosis and agitationConfusion, paranoia and agitation possible, especially with overdose or redosing. | Severe | At higher doses | Unconfirmed |