A qualitative descriptive analysis of effects of psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines
Patricia Acosta, Joseph J. Palamar
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental January 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2719 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractInterviews with 39 adults who had used psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines revealed the subjective effects of 36 different compounds. 2C-B was the most commonly used phenethylamine and was often described as more favorable than other 2C series drugs, with effects comparable to MDMA and LSD. NBOMe effects were generally unfavorable, and DOx effects were often reported as lasting 12 to 36 hours, which was considered too long. Among tryptamines, 4-AcO-DMT was most prevalent and was often described as mimicking psilocybin. These findings can inform education, prevention, and harm reduction efforts.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 39 |
| Population | Adults with experience using psychedelic phenethylamines and/or tryptamines |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Phenethylamines Tryptamines Psychology Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 44 |
| Key finding | 2C-B was the most prevalent phenethylamine and was often described as more favorable than other 2C series compounds, with effects comparable to MDMA and LSD, while NBOMe effects were generally unfavorable and DOx effects were often reported as lasting too long. |
Abstract
Abstract Objective The number of novel psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines has continued to increase, but little academic research has focused on the effects of these substances. We sought to determine and compare the subjective effects of various substances. Methods We conducted in‐depth interviews with 39 adults (75.4% male and 87.2% White) who reported experience using psychedelic phenethylamines and/or tryptamines. Participants described the effects of compounds they have used. We examined the subjective drug effects in a qualitative descriptive manner. Results Participants reported on the use of 36 compounds. The majority (64.1%) reported the use of 2C series drugs, with 2C‐B use being most prevalent; 38.5% reported the use of NBOMe, and 25.6% reported the use of DOx. With regard to tryptamines, 46.2% reported use, and 4‐AcO‐DMT was the most prevalent drug used in this class. 2C‐B was often described as being more favorable than other 2C series compounds with the effects described as being comparable with MDMA and LSD. NBOMe effects were generally described in an unfavorable manner, and the effects of DOx were often described as lasting too long (12–36 hr). The effects of 4‐AcO‐DMT were often described as mimicking psilocybin. Conclusion Knowing the effects of various compounds can inform education, prevention, and harm reduction efforts regarding the use of these drugs.