A comparison of reactivation experiences following vaporization and intramuscular injection (IM) of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting
Malin V. Uthaug, Rafael Lancelotta, Ana María Ortiz Bernal, Alan K. Davis, Johannes G. Ramaekers
Journal of Psychedelic Studies March 25, 2020 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2020.00123 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 27 |
| Population | Adults who used 5-MeO-DMT via intramuscular injection or vaporization, recruited through internet-based advertisements |
| Intervention | 5-MeO-DMT |
| Dose | 3–35 mg (vaporization), 5–10 mg (intramuscular) |
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | Vaporization Hallucinogen Anesthesia |
| Citations | 25 |
| Key findings | Intramuscular injection of 5-MeO-DMT was associated with lower reactivation rates (21%) and fewer redoses compared to vaporization (69%), along with more consistent physical tension release and slower onset of effects. |
Abstract
Abstract Background Previous research suggests a therapeutic potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). However, online anecdotal reports have described a phenomenon following cessation of the acute effects of 5-MeO-DMT use which has been termed reactivation (i.e., re-experiencing [“flashback”]). To date, no research has investigated whether different routes of administration may confer different reactivation rates, effects and experiences.
Aims: We aimed to assess whether intramuscular injection (IM) and vaporization of 5-MeO-DMT conferred different reactivation rates, changes in satisfaction with life as well as ratings of the experience with ego dissolution and the mystical.
Methods: Using internet-based advertisements, 27 respondents ( M age = 32. SE = 1.43; males = 18; North America = 19) completed an online-based survey.
Results: Of the 14 participants in the IM group, 3 (21%) reported reactivations; in contrast, of the 13 participants in the vaporization group, 9 (69%) reported reactivations. Redosing (more than 1 dose) occurred more frequently in the vaporization group ( N = 8) (1–6 times with 3–35 mg of 5-MeO-DMT), relative to the IM group ( N = 2) (1–5 times with 5–10 mg of 5-MeO-DMT). All participants in the IM group experienced release of physical tension, compared to 8 participants in the vaporization group. Participants in the IM group reported longer time of onset of acute effects (between 1 and 3 [ N = 6] and 4–6 min [ N = 6]), relative to the vaporization group where the majority ( N = 11) reported a rapid onset of 1–50 s.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that compared to vaporization, the IM route of administering 5-MeO-DMT is associated with lower and less doses, lower frequencies of reporting reactivation, a higher frequency of physical tension release, and a slower onset of acute effects.