Differential tolerance to biological and subjective effects of four closely spaced doses of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in humans
Rick J. Strassman, Clifford Qualls, Laura M. Berg
Biological Psychiatry May 1, 1996 DOI: 10.1016/0006-3223(95)00200-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Experienced hallucinogen users |
| Intervention | DMT fumarate |
| Dose | 0.3 mg/kg |
| Duration | Four doses at 30 min intervals on 2 separate days |
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | Differential mechanical device Differential effects Pharmacology |
| Citations | 129 |
| Key findings | Tolerance to the psychedelic effects of DMT did not occur with repeated dosing, but physiological responses such as ACTH, prolactin, cortisol, and heart rate decreased. |
Abstract
Tolerance of the behavioral effects of the short-acting, endogenous hallucinogen, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is seen inconsistently in animals, and has not been produced in humans. The nature and time course of responses to repetitive, closely spaced administrations of an hallucinogenic dose of DMT were characterized. Thirteen experienced hallucinogen users received intravenous 0.3 mg/kg DMT fumarate, or saline placebo, four times, at 30 min intervals, on 2 separate days, in a randomized, double-blind, design. Tolerance to "psychedelic" subjective effects did not occur according to either clinical interview or Hallucinogen Rating Scale scores. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, cortisol, and heart rate responses decreased with repeated DMT administration, although blood pressure did not. These data demonstrate the unique properties of DMT relative to other hallucinogens and underscore the differential regulation of the multiple processes mediating the effects of DMT.