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5-MeO-DMT

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A highly potent psychedelic compound used by Bryan Johnson as an experimental longevity therapy.


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3/29/2026, 12:11:06 AM

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3/29/2026, 12:17:17 AM

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    5-MeO-DMT

    5-MeO-DMT, also known as 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, as well as O-methylbufotenin or mebufotenin, is an atypical psychedelic drug, entheogen, and alkaloid of the tryptamine and 5-methoxytryptamine families. It is found naturally in a wide variety of plant species, and is also secreted by the glands of at least one toad species, the Colorado River toad (Incilius alvarius, formerly Bufo alvarius). It may occur naturally in humans as well. Like its close relatives dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and bufotenin (5-HO-DMT), it has been used as an entheogen in South America. Slang terms include five-methoxy, the power, bufo, and toad venom. The drug has been described as the most powerful psychedelic and, by journalist Michael Pollan, as the "Mount Everest of psychedelics". Adverse effects of 5-MeO-DMT include sickness, vomiting, headache, chest pressure, fatigue, anxiety, fear, terror, confusion, paranoia, crying, loss of awareness and motor control, and reactivations. The drug acts as a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist, including of the serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, among others. However, 5-MeO-DMT differs from most other serotonergic psychedelics in having much greater activity at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor in addition to the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. In relation to this, 5-MeO-DMT has been described as an "atypical" psychedelic and as producing subjective effects notably distinct from those of DMT and other psychedelics, for instance having a relative lack of visual effects. Nonetheless, 5-MeO-DMT reliably produces mystical experiences in most people who take it. Like DMT, 5-MeO-DMT is only active non-orally and has a very rapid onset and short duration. However, 5-MeO-DMT is 4- to 20-fold more potent than DMT in humans. 5-MeO-DMT was first described by 1936, was first isolated from natural sources by 1959, and was first reported to be hallucinogenic by 1970. The use of 5-MeO-DMT-containing toad venom was first described in 1984. It is a controlled substance in some countries, for instance the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The drug is used recreationally and several deaths have been reported in association with its use. Use of 5-MeO-DMT is rare compared with other psychedelics, with only 0.003% of the United States general population having reported taking it in 2019 (compared to 8.5% for psilocybin). 5-MeO-DMT is being developed for potential use in medicine in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression.

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    • 5-MeO-DMT - Wikipedia

      Similarly to other serotonergic psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT is a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist, including of the serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors, among others. It shows pronounced biased agonism at the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor. The drug is 4- to 10-fold more potent "Potency (pharmacology)") as a hallucinogen than DMT in humans. In contrast to most serotonergic psychedelics however, it has been said that it is unclear that the hallucinogenic effects of 5-MeO-DMT are principally mediated by activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. In any case, 5-MeO-DMT does still activate the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and does still produce psychedelic effects. It has been proposed that 5-MeO-DMT be considered an "atypical" psychedelic. This relates to the fact that [...] Besides serotonin receptors, 5-MeO-DMT is an agonist of the melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. Unlike DMT, 5-MeO-DMT is not a ligand "Ligand (biochemistry)") or agonist of the sigma receptors. In contrast to certain other tryptamines, 5-MeO-DMT is inactive as a monoamine releasing agent, including of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. However, it is a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor, with an IC50Tooltip half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 2,184 nM. Conversely, it is inactive as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (IC50 = >10,000 nM). [...] 5-MeO-DMT was described by Shulgin as being remarkably potent "Potency (pharmacology)"), more potent than DMT, and as having a slightly faster onset than DMT when smoked. More specifically, it is 4- to 20-fold more potent than DMT. The drug is said to be a very strong and quite intense hallucinogen. There is an ability to break through to a similar space as DMT, but it is said to be "more like receiving grace" and to be much more relaxed than DMT and less terrifying. One report commented that 5-MeO-DMT was like adding the MDMA (ecstasy) experience to DMT. 5-MeO-DMT was one of the only psychedelics in TiHKAL that resulted in a plus-four experience on the Shulgin Rating Scale. Another psychedelic tryptamine that produced similar effects to 5-MeO-DMT was 5-MeO-MiPT at sufficiently high doses

    • 5-MeO-DMT - Partnership to End Addiction

      # What is 5-MeO-DMT? Print this page Share via email 5-MeO-DMT (short for 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful mind-altering substance found in the venom or poison of the Bufo alvarius toad. It is known as the toad, bufo, the God molecule, or just 5. It can also be made in a lab, producing a white and odorless powder. Usually vaporized or inhaled, 5-MeO-DMT effects are felt only seconds after it is used. It acts on the receptors in the brain, which control mood and perception. Similar to other psychedelics like LSD and mushrooms, it can cause intense sight and sound hallucinations, but its effects only last about 20 minutes, while other psychedelics like LSD and shrooms can last for hours. [...] Besides recreational use, some early studies and personal reports or personal stories and experiences suggest that 5-MeO-DMT might help with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, further research is needed to know if it’s safe and effective, as it has been linked to deaths. ## Key Takeaways ## What about other 5-MeOs, like foxy and moxy? 5-MeO-DMT is just one type of psychedelic in a big group of similar substances called 5-MeOs. They’re all part of a family called tryptamines, which are substances that produce hallucinations and that can be counted in the hundreds. Most of them are not found in nature but can be made in a lab. [...] One reason people like 5-MeO-DMT is that it can give them a very intense mystical experience. It makes them feel connected to everything around them like they’re part of the whole universe. ## Can 5-MeOs improve mental health? Some studies suggest that 5-MeO-DMT might be helpful for people struggling with depression and anxiety. These studies were based on surveys of people who took 5-MeO-DMT in a controlled way, which means taking the substance in specific amounts and with someone experienced guiding them. In one survey of 362 adults, 4 out of 5 said their depression decreased, and almost the same number said they felt less anxious. People who had stronger mystical experiences during their trip tended to feel better.

    • 5-MeO-DMT induces sleep-like LFP spectral signatures in the ...

      5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent classical psychedelic known to induce changes in locomotion, behaviour, and sleep in rodents. However, there is limited knowledge regarding its acute neurophysiological effects. Local field potentials (LFPs) are commonly used as a proxy for neural activity, but previous studies investigating psychedelics have been hindered by confounding effects of behavioural changes and anaesthesia, which alter these signals. To address this gap, we investigated acute LFP changes in the hippocampus (HP) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of freely behaving rats, following 5-MeO-DMT administration. 5-MeO-DMT led to an increase of delta power and a decrease of theta power in the HP LFPs, which could not be accounted for by changes in locomotion. [...] We found a significant decrease of hippocampal theta power in a dose–response manner that could not be explained by changes in animal speed. This is in accordance with the idea that the median raphe acts as a theta desynchronization nucleus60."),61."),62."). Moreover, the power of theta-associated gamma oscillations and their coupling to theta phase were significantly reduced by 5-MeO-DMT. The administration of 5-MeO-DMT induced significant alterations in animal locomotion, which is an important factor to consider when interpreting the potential effects observed in electrophysiology, as speed can have a profound impact. It is worth noting that our study differs from previous investigations in that we took this confounding variable into consideration. [...] Interestingly, we did not observe the same effect for ICV injections. In contrast, we observed a significant decrease of theta power following the administration of 5-MeO-DMT using both IP (Fig. 2I–K) and ICV (Fig. 2L–N) delivery, with a significant dose-dependent effect specifically for ICV injections (5-MeO-DMT vs. saline: p < 0.001; Dose: p = 0.001). In summary, our findings indicate that 5-MeO-DMT administration leads to a decrease in theta power in the hippocampus for equivalent locomotion speeds, as well as an increase in delta power specifically following IP injections.

    • 5-MeO-DMT Therapy Information - UC Berkeley BCSP

      Skip to content UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics green frog against a pink background # 5-MeO-DMT ## Other names: Bufo God molecule The Toad Basics: 5-MeO-DMT is short for 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. It’s found in several plants and in high concentrations in the secretion of the toad Bufo alvarius. It’s also possibly produced by the human body and has been found in human blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. It’s usually inhaled through vaporizing or snorting. Like DMT, the experience is quick, starting just a few seconds after ingestion and lasting about twenty to thirty minutes. (Snorted material comes on a bit slower and can last a bit longer.) [...] Potential Benefits: 5-MeO-DMT induces feelings of awe, visual and auditory hallucinations, and other sensations similar to other classic psychedelics. Potential Risks and Side Effects: 5-MeO-DMT is sometimes paired with MAOIs, a class of antidepressants, which can make the experience longer and more intense. However, this combination can be dangerous, causing abnormally high body temperature and, in some cases, death. In addition to effects shared with other classic psychedelics, some users have reported an empty or void experience similar to sensory deprivation. There are also reports of fear, shaking, and profound terror. [...] Therapy: Anecdotal reports and early studies suggest 5-MeO-DMT could help treat anxiety and depression, but further research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness. Legality: In the United States, 5-MeO-DMT is listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It’s illegal to use it recreationally or in therapy outside of specially approved research settings. Notable Studies: There have been self-reported improvements in anxiety and depression after using 5-MeO-DMT. One study found evidence that 5-MeO-DMT causes structural changes in human brain cells that may inhibit neurodegeneration. A study measured the intensity of mystical experiences with 5-MeO-DMT compared to those with psilocybin. Selected Sources

    • The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of ...

      5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that primarily acts as an agonist at the 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptors, whereby affinity for the 5‐HT1A subtype is highest. Subjective effects following 5‐MeO‐DMT administration include distortions in auditory and time perception, amplification of emotional states, and feelings of ego dissolution that usually are short‐lasting, depending on the route of administration. Individual dose escalation of 5‐MeO‐DMT reliably induces a “peak” experience, a state thought to be a core predictor of the therapeutic efficacy of psychedelics. Observational studies and surveys have suggested that single exposure to 5‐MeO‐DMT can cause rapid and sustained reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 5‐MeO‐DMT also [...] 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that can be found in seeds, bark, and leaves of a number of plants in the Amazonian rainforest (Pachter et al., 1959). Small amounts of 5‐MeO‐DMT have been traced in seeds of the Virola and Anandenantera peregrine (i.e., yopo, cohobo, and rapé) and in barks or leaves of plants such as Dictyoloma incanescens (Agurell et al., 1969; Pachter et al., 1959). Typically, such plant materials also contain other indole alkaloids such as N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT) (Agurell et al., 1969; Pachter et al., 1959). 5‐MeO‐DMT is an entheogen of which indigenous use for shamanic purposes, tribal ceremonies, and healing rituals in South America and the Caribbean has been suggested (Weil & Davis, 1994), but strong evidence is [...] 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that primarily acts as an agonist at the 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptors, whereby affinity for the 5‐HT1A subtype is highest. Studies have suggested that single exposure to 5‐MeO‐DMT can cause rapid and sustained reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 5‐MeO‐DMT also stimulates neuroendocrine function, immunoregulation, and anti‐inflammatory processes, which may contribute to changes in mental health outcomes. This review discusses the basis and potential for clinical application of 5‐MeO‐DMT formulations for a range of medical indications, most notably depression. Fundamental research will be needed to increase understanding of the neurophysiological and neural mechanisms that contribute to