Acute Pharmacological Effects of 2C-B in Humans: An Observational Study
Esther Papaseit, Marta Torrens, Mireia Ventura, Mitona Pujadas, Débora González, Magı́ Farré, Clara Pérez‐mañá, Rafael de la Torre
Frontiers in Pharmacology March 13, 2018 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00206 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Healthy, experienced drug users |
| Intervention | 2C-B |
| Dose | 10, 15, or 20 mg |
| Duration | 6 hours for subjective and physiological effects; 24 hours for pharmacokinetics |
| Topics | Mescaline |
| Keywords | Euphoriant Heart rate Hallucinogen Visual analogue scale Blood pressure Observational study Pharmacokinetics Mood Pharmacology Anesthesia |
| Citations | 61 |
| Key findings | Oral 2C-B at recreational doses increases blood pressure and heart rate, produces euphoria and perceptual changes, and induces mild hallucinating effects in some users. |
Abstract
2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B) is a psychedelic phenylethylamine derivative, structurally similar to mescaline. It is a serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A), 5-hydroxytryptamine-2B (5-HT2B), and 5-hydroxytryptamine-2C (5-HT2C) receptor partial agonist used recreationally as a new psychoactive substance. It has been reported that 2C-B induces mild psychedelic effects, although its acute pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics have not yet been fully studied in humans. An observational study was conducted to assess the acute subjective and physiological effects, as well as pharmacokinetics of 2C-B. Sixteen healthy, experienced drug users self-administered an oral dose of 2C-B (10, 15, or 20 mg). Vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate) were measured at baseline 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours (h). Each participant completed subjective effects using three rating scales: the visual analog scale (VAS), the Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), and the Evaluation of the Subjective Effects of Substances with Abuse Potential (VESSPA-SSE) at baseline, 2-3 and 6 h after self-administration (maximum effects along 6 h), and the Hallucinogenic Rating Scale (maximum effects along 6 h). Oral fluid (saliva) was collected to assess 2C-B and cortisol concentrations during 24 h. Acute administration of 2C-B increased blood pressure and heart rate. Scores of scales related to euphoria increased (high, liking, and stimulated), and changes in perceptions (distances, colors, shapes, and lights) and different body feelings/surrounding were produced. Mild hallucinating effects were described in five subjects. Maximum concentrations of 2C-B and cortisol were reached at 1 and 3 h after self-administration, respectively. Oral 2C-B at recreational doses induces a constellation of psychedelic/psychostimulant-like effects similar to those associated with serotonin-acting drugs.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on mescaline, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
| Long-lasting subjective effects of LSD in normal subjects Healthy participants | 2017 | Observational cohort | n = 16 |
| Psychological and cognitive effects of long-term peyote use among Native Americans. Navajo Native Americans aged 18-45 | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 176 |
| Mescaline-induced psychopathological, neuropsychological, and neurometabolic effects in normal subjects: experimental psychosis as a tool for psychiatric research. Normal men who were volunteers | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 12 |
| 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methyl-amphetamine (STP): A New Hallucinogenic Drug Normal control volunteers | 1967 | Observational study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 37
- Psilocybin-Induced Mystical-Type Experiences are Related to Persisting Positive Effects: A Quantitative and Qualitative Report Frontiers in Pharmacology March 9, 2022
- Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Mescaline ACS Chemical Neuroscience May 30, 2018
- Fully automated head-twitch detection system for the study of 5-HT2A receptor pharmacology in vivo Scientific Reports October 3, 2019
- Population Survey Data Informing the Therapeutic Potential of Classic and Novel Phenethylamine, Tryptamine, and Lysergamide Psychedelics Frontiers in Psychiatry February 11, 2020
- A qualitative descriptive analysis of effects of psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental 2020
and 32 more in the library
Cites 36
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- Dose-Response Study of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Humans Archives of General Psychiatry February 1, 1994
- Cardiovascular and neuroendocrine effects and pharmacokinetics of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in humans. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics July 1, 1999
and 31 more in the library