Psilocybin &
Psilocyn and other Tryptamines
A number of Schedule I hallucinogenic substances are classified
chemically as tryptamines. Most of these are found in nature but
many, if not all, can be produced synthetically. Psilocybin
(O-phosphoryl-4-hydroxy-N, N-ethyltryptamine) and psilocyn
(4-hydroxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine) are obtained from certain
mushrooms indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of
South America, Mexico, and the United States. As pure chemicals
at doses of 10 to 20 mg, these hallucinogens produce muscle
relaxation, dilation of pupils, vivid visual and auditory
distortions, and emotional disturbances. However, the effects
produced by consuming preparations of dried or brewed mushrooms
are far less predictable and largely depend on the particular
mushrooms used and the age and preservation of the extract.
There are many species of "magic" mushrooms that contain varying
amounts of these tryptamines, as well as uncertain amounts of
other chemicals. As a consequence, the hallucinogenic activity,
as well as the extent of toxicity produced by various plant
samples, are often unknown.
Dimethyltryptamin (DMT) has a long history of use and is found in
a variety of plants and seeds. It can also be produced
synthetically. It is ineffective when taken orally, unless
combined with another drug that inhibits its metabolism.
Generally it is sniffed, smoked, or injected. The effective
hallucinogenic dose in humans is about 50 to 100 mg and lasts
for about 45 to 60 minutes. Because the effects last only about
an hour; the experience has been referred to as a "businessmans
trip."
A number of other hallucinogens have very similar structures and
properties to those of DMT. Diethyltryptamine (DET), for
example, is an analogue of DMT and produces the same
pharmacological effects but is somewhat less potent than DMT.
Alpha-ethyltryptamine (AET) is another tryptamine hallucinogen
added to the list of Schedule I hallucinogens in 1994.
Bufotenine (5-hydroxy-N-N-dimethyltryptamine) is a Schedule I
substance found in certain mushrooms, seeds, and skin glands of
Bufo toads. In general, most bufotenine preparations from
natural sources are extremely toxic.
N,N-Diisopropyl-5-methoxytryptamine (referred to as
Foxy-Methoxy) is an orally active tryptamine recently
encountered in the United States.
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