TY - JOUR
T1 - “Word of Mouse”
T2 - Indigenous Harm Reduction and Online Consumerism of the Synthetic Compound Methoxphenidine
AU - Van Hout, Marie Claire
AU - Hearne, Evelyn
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2015/1/1
Y1 - 2015/1/1
N2 - Abstract: Methoxphenidine (MXP) was one of several NMDA antagonists marketed in 2013 to replace the recently controlled compound Methoxetamine (MXE). A steep rise in user interest was recorded, despite vendor cautioning of limited user feedback. The study presented a phenomenological analysis of MXP experiences amongst recreational drug users as posted on public Internet fora. Internet searches were carried out using specific key words; “methoxphenidine,” “MXP” and in combination with “experience,” “report,” “forum,” and “trip.” Seven self-reported experiences and 28 thread discussions relating sole use of MXP were analyzed using the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method. Five themes and 61 categories emerged. MXP is marketed as a legal replacement for MXE, diphenidine, and ketamine, with a dissociative and stimulant wave outcome often lasting for days. Harm reduction tactics, awareness of prior tolerance to dissociative and optimal settings for use are discussed. Acute side-effects relate to hypertension and seizures. Chronic long-term memory loss and limb numbness is reported. Sense of empowerment occurs in the afterglow experience. Internet drug fora fuel information exchange and informed consumerism of synthetic compounds, and offer viable mechanisms for pre- and post-purchase decision making and indigenous harm reduction. Continued surveillance of synthetic market entries and user trends is warranted.
AB - Abstract: Methoxphenidine (MXP) was one of several NMDA antagonists marketed in 2013 to replace the recently controlled compound Methoxetamine (MXE). A steep rise in user interest was recorded, despite vendor cautioning of limited user feedback. The study presented a phenomenological analysis of MXP experiences amongst recreational drug users as posted on public Internet fora. Internet searches were carried out using specific key words; “methoxphenidine,” “MXP” and in combination with “experience,” “report,” “forum,” and “trip.” Seven self-reported experiences and 28 thread discussions relating sole use of MXP were analyzed using the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method. Five themes and 61 categories emerged. MXP is marketed as a legal replacement for MXE, diphenidine, and ketamine, with a dissociative and stimulant wave outcome often lasting for days. Harm reduction tactics, awareness of prior tolerance to dissociative and optimal settings for use are discussed. Acute side-effects relate to hypertension and seizures. Chronic long-term memory loss and limb numbness is reported. Sense of empowerment occurs in the afterglow experience. Internet drug fora fuel information exchange and informed consumerism of synthetic compounds, and offer viable mechanisms for pre- and post-purchase decision making and indigenous harm reduction. Continued surveillance of synthetic market entries and user trends is warranted.
KW - indigenous harm reduction
KW - Internet
KW - Methoxetamine
KW - Methoxphenidine
KW - MXP
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84924216594&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/02791072.2014.974002
DO - 10.1080/02791072.2014.974002
M3 - Article
C2 - 25715070
AN - SCOPUS:84924216594
VL - 47
SP - 30
EP - 41
JO - Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
JF - Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
SN - 0279-1072
IS - 1
ER -