25X-NBOMe compounds - chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. A comprehensive review.
Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2023 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2194907 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | N-benzyl-phenethylamines Nbome Hallucinogen New psychoactive substances Toxicity |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | 25X-NBOMes are highly toxic synthetic hallucinogens that cause severe systemic and neurological poisoning in humans and animals. |
Abstract
Recently, a growing number of reports have indicated a positive effect of hallucinogenic-based therapies in different neuropsychiatric disorders. However, hallucinogens belonging to the group of new psychoactive substances (NPS) may produce high toxicity. NPS, due to their multi-receptors affinity, are extremely dangerous for the human body and mental health. An example of hallucinogens that have been lately responsible for many severe intoxications and deaths are 25X-NBOMes - N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-substituted phenethylamines, synthetic compounds with strong hallucinogenic properties. 25X-NBOMes exhibit a high binding affinity to serotonin receptors but also to dopamine, adrenergic and histamine receptors. Apart from their influence on perception, many case reports point out systemic and neurological poisoning with these compounds. In humans, the most frequent side effects are tachycardia, anxiety, hypertension and seizures. Moreover, preclinical studies confirm that 25X-NBOMes cause developmental impairments, cytotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity and changes in behavior of animals. Metabolism of NBOMes seems to be very complex and involves many metabolic pathways. This fact may explain the observed high toxicity. In addition, many analytical methods have been applied in order to identify these compounds and their metabolites. The presented review summarized the current knowledge about 25X-NBOMes, especially in the context of toxicity.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on serotonin, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Drugs Used in "Chemsex"/Sexualized Drug Behaviour-Overview of the Related Clinical Psychopharmacological Issues. Brain Sciences April 22, 2025
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- The role of mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium dysregulation in 2C-I and 25I-NBOMe-induced neurotoxicity. Chemico-Biological Interactions April 25, 2025
- Toxicology and Pharmacological Interactions of Classic Psychedelics. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences July 24, 2024
- Pathway-selective signaling of serotonergic psychedelics at 5-HT receptors: Implications for psychoactivity, safety, and therapeutic potential European Neuropsychopharmacology April 10, 2026
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Cites 55
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- The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics November 11, 2008
- Correlation between the potency of hallucinogens in the mouse head-twitch response assay and their behavioral and subjective effects in other species. Neuropharmacology May 1, 2020
- Effects of psilocybin on hippocampal neurogenesis and extinction of trace fear conditioning Experimental Brain Research June 1, 2013
- Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin. Neuropsychopharmacology November 1, 2020
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