Methoxetamine‐related deaths in the UK: an overview
Stefania Chiappini, Hugh Claridge, John M. Corkery, Christine Goodair, Barbara Loi, Fabrizio Schifano
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental July 1, 2015 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2422 via OpenAlex
Summary
Methoxetamine (MXE), a novel psychoactive substance, was found in eight fatalities in the UK between 2011 and 2013. The median age at death was 27 years; most decedents were White and male. MXE was directly implicated in four deaths and likely contributed to two others, and in seven of eight cases it was used alongside other substances. The report calls for more research into MXE's health effects and toxicity, and for healthcare professionals to be aware of its harms to develop early interventions and reduce poisonings and deaths.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Fatalities involving methoxetamine in the UK and Islands (Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey) |
| Keywords | Medicine |
| Citations | 45 |
| Key finding | Methoxetamine was directly implicated in four of eight fatalities and likely influenced two others, with most decedents being young White males who used MXE with other substances. |
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to provide an update on the data given on methoxetamine (MXE)-related fatalities that occurred in 2011-2013, presented at the Second International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances. METHODS: Fatalities involving MXE were extracted from the database of the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, which receives information on drug-related deaths from Coroners in the UK and Islands (Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey) and other data suppliers. RESULTS: Eight cases, received by 3 September 2013, in which MXE was found at post-mortem and/or directly implicated in the death and/or mentioned in the Coroner's verdict are described. The median age at death was 27 years, with the majority of White ethnicity (6/8) and male (7/8). MXE was used together with other substances in 7/8 cases. MXE was found at post-mortem in all cases, directly implicated in the deaths of four and likely to have had an influence in two. CONCLUSIONS: More research needs to be conducted into its health effects and toxicity potential. Health care professionals should be made aware of the potential health harms of MXE, in order to develop early intervention measures and minimise the number of MXE-related poisonings and fatalities.