Substance info: 4-AcO-DMT

4-AcO-DMT is an uncommon synthetic psychedelic drug with a limited history of use. Its effects and duration are similar to those of psilocybin/psilocin, although it is sometimes described as "warmer" or "more euphoric" than psilocybin-containing mushrooms. It is probably metabolically converted into psilocin in the body, but there are also reasons to believe that 4-AcO-DMT might itself be active in the brain, producing effects that are distinct from psilocin. Data regarding its use and effects is limited.

Dose

A common oral dose of 4-AcO-DMT is between 10 and 25 mg. Several reports describe doses of 25-30 mg as very strong. Insuffalation appears to produce more potent effects with a more rapid onset. A smoked dose of 40 mg of fumurate was described as extremely weak, comparable to the effects of 5 mg oral.

Price

Not commonly available. In September 2010, Internet vendors listed 4-AcO-DMT at $200 to $350 per gram, significantly higher than a few years earlier.

Law

4-AcO-DMT is unscheduled and uncontrolled in the United States, making it technically legal to possess. Sales or possession could be prosecuted under the Analog Act, although we are not aware of this having occurred. We are not aware of any other country where it is specifically listed as illegal.

Chemistry

4-Acetoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT) is a synthetic chemical in the tryptamine class. It is related structurally to DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, bufotenine, psilocybin, psilocin, and the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT).

History

4-AcO-DMT (psilacetin) and several other esters of psilocin were patented on January 16, 1963 by Sandoz Ltd. via Albert Hofmann & Franz Troxler. To this day, it remains a psychedelic with a limited history of use. It's a novel compound with relatively little availability on the research chemicals market. Since 2007, its use appears to primarily be confined to psychedelic connoisseurs.

Effects

Psilocybin, present in magic mushrooms, is metabolized into psilocin; a similar situation likely occurs with 4-AcO-DMT being metabolized into psilocin. The effects of 4-AcO-DMT are said to be very similar to the effects of psilocybin/psilocin, although enough users have reported some differences that it is speculated that 4-AcO-DMT may be uniquely active on its own, and not simply active due to (probably) being metabolized into psilocin. Users report dose-dependent colorful visual effects and a sense of physical energy or euphoria, sometimes accompanied by abstract, associative, "trippy" thought patterns, or derealization.Visuals have been described as being similar to those produced by psilocybin/psilocin, 2C-B, and DMT.

Several available reports of 4-AcO-DMT compare it favorably to psilocybin, describing it as more euphoric, gentle, warm, and colorful. It has also been described as less jarring, and less likely to produce nausea. However, most of these comparisons are made with mushrooms, not pure psilocybin. In addition, it is unknown to what degree expectancy plays a role in shaping such experiences.

Positive

-Brightened colors / enhanced visual perception
-Introspection and philosophical insights
-Increased giggling and laughing
-Pleasant body buzz / warmth / tingling
-Rushing / stimulation (mental and physical)
-Deep feeling of inner peace / sense of rapture
-Feeling sleepy or dreamy
-Mood lift, euphoria
-Perception of cognitive enhancement
-Feelings of empathy
-Enhanced tactile sensation
-Sexual arousal

Neutral

-General change in consciousness (as with most psychoactives)
-Pupil dilation
-Minor to strong closed- and open-eyed visuals
-Auditory hallucinations/sound distortion
-Confusion and/or scrambled thoughts
-Distorted sense of time
-Lethargy, fatigue
-Ego softening/loss
-Disorientation
-Synesthesia
-Experiencing a dreamlike reality
-Decrease in emotions

Negative

(Likelihood of negative side effects increases with higher doses.)

-Anxiety / fear
-Difficulty speaking
-Motor impairment
-Stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, gas
-Intense or overwhelming visual disturbances
-Overwhelming thoughts and ideas
-Disturbing hallucinations/mental visions
-Paranoia / insecure feelings
-Sweating / chills / flushing
-(Severe) uncomfortable stimulation (mental and physical)
-Sleeplessness
-(Significantly) elevated heart rate
-Muscle fatigue/pain/aching
-(Severe) mental confusion

Onset

Effects take about 30-40 minutes to begin, with peak effects at around 2 hours. The onset has been characterized as smoother, gentler, and more pleasant than the onset of mushrooms.

Duration

The primary effects of 4-AcO-DMT typically last for about 4-6 hours. They have been described as lasting from 3-4 hours (low oral doses) to 8-10 hours (moderate to strong oral doses).

Risks

As with all psychedelics, some people may experience the effects of 4-AcO-DMT as confusing, frightening, or unpleasant. While 4-AcO-DMT is pharmacologically similar to psilocybin and may well be similar in terms of its relative safety, it has not undergone toxicological studies and its possible harms are unknown. Some users may have idiosyncratic responses to dosage and effects.

A review of available reports suggests that many people have begun with doses that generated stronger effects than expeceted or desired, in the 25-30 mg range. One report describes a person who took "25 mg oral and had a 2 hr blackout, in which he curled up in a bed and mumbled nonsense to himself. He had absolutely no recollection of the 2 hours."

Contraindications

Do not operate heavy machinery. Do not drive.

The effects of 4-AcO-DMT may be dramatically increased if used by individuals currently taking MAOIs. MAOI drugs include the prescription antidepressants Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Eldepryl (l-deprenyl), and Aurorex or Manerix (moclobemide), as well as the harmala alkaloids present in Banisteriopsis caapi (ayahuasca) and Peganum harmala (Syrian rue). Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether your medication is an MAOI.

Individuals currently in the midst of emotional or psychological upheaval in their everyday lives should be careful about choosing to use psychedelics as they can trigger even more difficulty.

Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or early onset mental illness should be extremely careful because psychedelics have been known to trigger latent psychological and mental problems.

Addiction Potential

Owing to its pharmacological similarity to psilocybin, it is very unlikely that 4-AcO-DMT is addictive. Howver, it has not been studied for addiction liability.