Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Theresa M. Carbonaro, Michael B. Gatch
Brain Research Bulletin April 30, 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | Neuropharmacology Central nervous system Neurotransmitter systems Adverse effect Psychosis Neurotoxicity Neurotransmission Glutamate receptor Endogeny Dopamine |
| Citations | 258 |
| Key findings | DMT appears to have limited neurotoxicity and adverse effects, except for intense cardiovascular effects when administered intravenously in large doses, and may be useful for treating anxiety and psychosis. |
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid widely found in plants and animals. It is best known for producing brief and intense psychedelic effects when ingested. Increasing evidence suggests that endogenous DMT plays important roles for a number of processes in the periphery and central nervous system, and may act as a neurotransmitter. This paper reviews the current literature of both the recreational use of DMT and its potential roles as an endogenous neurotransmitter. Pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action in the periphery and central nervous system, clinical uses and adverse effects are also reviewed. DMT appears to have limited neurotoxicity and other adverse effects except for intense cardiovascular effects when administered intravenously in large doses. Because of its role in nervous system signaling, DMT may be a useful experimental tool in exploring how the brain works, and may also be a useful clinical tool for treatment of anxiety and psychosis.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an Endogenous Hallucinogen: Past, Present, and Future Research to Determine Its Role and Function Humans and animals (general) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: metabolism, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and pharmacological actions. Humans (pharmacokinetics) | 2010 | Review | |
| Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience:N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) | 2018 | Review | |
| A possibly sigma-1 receptor mediated role of dimethyltryptamine in tissue protection, regeneration, and immunity. | 2013 | Review | |
| Pharmepéna-Psychonautics: Human intranasal, sublingual and oral pharmacology of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-tryptamine. | 2001 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 185
- Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial Psychological Medicine June 15, 2018
- Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Frontiers in Psychiatry September 10, 2021
- Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness Current Neuropharmacology March 2, 2018
- N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an Endogenous Hallucinogen: Past, Present, and Future Research to Determine Its Role and Function Frontiers in Neuroscience August 6, 2018
- Modulation of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by a Single Dose of Ayahuasca: Observation From a Randomized Controlled Trial Frontiers in Psychology June 4, 2019
and 180 more in the library
Cites 92
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
- Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later Journal of Psychopharmacology May 30, 2008
- Amphetamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, and Metabolites of the Catecholamine Neurotransmitters Are Agonists of a Rat Trace Amine Receptor Molecular Pharmacology December 1, 2001
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