Two separate samples expected to be ketamine were found to contain O-PCE.

What is O-PCE?

O-PCE (deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine)-a ketamine analogue, is a dissociative and hallucinogen that is most commonly mis-sold as ketamine.

Dissociatives are drugs that make you feel disconnected from your body or surroundings.

Ketamine analogues copy ketamine’s chemical makeup but can produce different effects, including stronger dissociation or hallucinatory episodes.

What’s the difference?

Compared with ketamine, O-PCE’s effects appear to be:

• more potent
• initially more stimulating, followed by dissociation
• much longer-acting (3-6 hours compared with 30-60 minutes)
• people who have used O-PCE say the dissociation is deeper and more disorienting, with more intense sedation and a mental fog that can last for up to 72 hours

Negative dissociative effects

Combining dissociatives such as O-PCE with depressants such as opioids, benzos, GHB or alcohol will increase the risk of intense sedation and disorientation.

Combining O-PCE with stimulants (such as methamphetamine and MDMA) may increase the risk of adverse mental health effects including anxiety, paranoia and manic symptoms.

Some people may experience psychological distress as a result of not being prepared for or familiar with dissociatives.

Harm reduction tips

• Start low, go slow: Start off with a very small amount (smaller than a typical ketamine bump) to check how it affects you. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t take more.
• Don’t use alone: Have a friend who can help, and call an ambulance, if things go wrong.
• Carry naloxone: Know the signs of opioid overdose and carry naloxone – no matter what drugs you think you’re getting. Dissociatives and opioids both cause sedation, however opioid overdose can also cause dangerously slow breathing. In the case of a suspected overdose, the best and safest approach is to administer naloxone.

If you, or someone you are with experiences adverse drug effects, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000)