Ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine complications reported to the French Addictovigilance Network.
Fundamental & clinical pharmacology December 1, 2018 Céline Eiden, Sarah Leone-Burgos, Anaïs Serre et al.
Ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine are dissociative anesthetics that block NMDA receptors and were recently classified as narcotics in France. A retrospective analysis of 18 serious cases reported to the French Addictovigilance Network from 2012 to 2016 found the number of cases increased over time, mostly involving methoxphenidine. Most cases were considered possible due to polysubstance abuse, with two probable. Clinical complications were minor in five cases, moderate in six, and serious in four, including psychiatric, neurologic, and cardiovascular problems. The addictive potential appears highly probable, but further research is needed to limit harm.