Acute Effects of 2C-E in Humans: An Observational Study
Esther Papaseit, Marta Torrens, Mireia Ventura, Eulàlia Olesti, Clara Pérez‐mañá, M. Grifell, Óscar J. Pozo, Elizabeth B. de Sousa Fernandes Perna, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Rafael de la Torre, Magı́ Farré
Frontiers in Pharmacology March 18, 2020 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00233 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Recreational users of psychedelics |
| Intervention | 2C-E |
| Dose | 6.5, 8, 10, 15, or 25 mg |
| Duration | 6 hours post-administration |
| Topics | Addiction Mescaline Serotonin |
| Keywords | Pharmacology Mood Agonist Oral administration Pharmacokinetics Observational study Hallucinogen Saliva |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key findings | Oral 2C-E at recreational doses produces psychedelic-like effects similar to 2C-B and other serotonin-acting drugs, with peak saliva concentrations at 2 hours. |
Abstract
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylphenethylamine (2C-E) is psychedelic phenylethylamine, with a chemical structure similar to mescaline, used as new psychoactive substance (NPS). It inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin uptake and, more relevant, acts as a partial agonist of the serotonin 2A (5-HT2 A), 2B (5-HT2 B), and (5-HT2 C) receptors. Consumers have reported that 2C-E induces mild-moderate psychedelic effects, but its pharmacology in humans, including pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics, have not yet studied. To assess the acute effects of 2C-E on physiological and subjective effects and evaluate its pharmacokinetics, an observational study was carried-out. Ten recreational users of psychedelics self-administered a single oral dose of 2C-E (6.5, 8, 10, 15, or 25 mg). Blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 h post-administration. Three rating scales were administered to evaluate subjective effects: a set of Visual Analog Scales (VAS), the 49-item short form version of the Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), and the Evaluation of the Subjective Effects of Substances with Abuse Potential (VESSPA-SSE) at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 h after self-administration. To assess 2C-E concentrations oral fluid (saliva) was collected during 6 h. 2C-E induced primarily alterations in perceptions, hallucinations, and euphoric-mood. Saliva maximal concentrations were achieved 2 h after self-administration. Administration of oral 2C-E at recreational doses produces a group of psychedelic-like effects such to 2C-B and other serotonin-acting drugs.