[1] It was often believed to possess opioid properties due to its structural similarity to 3-HO-PCP,[6] but this assumption is not supported by data, which shows insignificant affinity for the μ-opioid receptor by the compound.

[9][10][11] Acute reversible cerebellar toxicity has been documented in three cases of hospital admission due to MXE overdose, lasting for between one and four days after exposure.

[6][7] Like ketamine, MXE has been found to produce bladder inflammation and fibrosis after high dose chronic administration in mice, although the dosages used were quite large.

[6] MXE acts mainly as a selective and high-affinity NMDA receptor antagonist, specifically of the dizocilpine (MK-801) site (Ki = 257 nM).

[19] A forensic standard of MXE is available, and the compound has been posted on the Forendex website of potential drugs of abuse.

[21] Mixmag reported in January 2012, that people in the dance music and clubbing community have given MXE the slang name 'roflcoptr'.

It concluded that "the online availability of information on novel psychoactive drugs, such as MXE, may constitute a pressing public health challenge.

[33][34] MXE is a controlled substance (group II-P) making it illegal to produce, sell or possess in The Republic of Poland as of 1 July 2015.

[39] In March 2012, the Home Office referred MXE to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs for possible temporary controlling under the powers given in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

"[42] In April 2012, MXE was placed under temporary class drug control, which prohibited its import and sale for 12 months.

[46] On June 6, 2022, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration published a final rule placing MXE in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.