2C-B

2C-B, or 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (sometimes referred to as 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxybenzeneethanamine) is a psychedelic drug of the 2C family, an entactogen. It was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1974. In his book PIHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved), the dosage range is listed as 16–24 mg. 2C-B is sold as a white powder sometimes pressed in tablets or gel caps. The drug is usually taken orally, but sometimes is insufflated.

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Origins and history

2C-B was synthesized from 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde by Alexander Shulgin in 1974. It first saw use among the psychiatric community as an aid during therapy. It was considered one of the best drugs for this purpose because of its short duration, relative absence of side effects, and comparably mild nature. Shortly after becoming popular in the medical community, it became popular recreationally. 2C-B was first sold commercially as an aphrodisiac under the tradename "Eros" which was manufactured by the German phamaceutical company Drittewelle. Recently 2C-B has been distributed under the street name "Nexus". Other street names include "Venus", "Bees", and "bromo-mescaline". It is occasionally called bromo-mescaline because its chemical structure is similar to that of mescaline, except with one methoxy group positioned differently (ortho to the ethylamine side chain instead of meta) and another replaced with a bromine atom.

Internationally, 2C-B is a Schedule II drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances^[1]. In the United States, a notice of proposed rulemaking published on December 20, 1994 in the Federal Register (59 FR 65521) and after a review of relevant data, the Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed to place 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA into Schedule I, making 2C-B illegal in the United States. This became permanent law July 2, 1995.

Toxicity and dosage

The September 1998 Journal of Analytical Toxicology reported that very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 2C-B. The relationship between its use and disease and death are unknown.^[2] At oral doses around 5–15 mg, 2C-B produces an entactogenic effect. But common recreational doses range from 15–40 mg, at which intense visual and auditory effects are experienced. The intensity of the effects increases with dosage. While considered foolhardy, people have survived doses as high as 200mg without negative effects.^{[citation needed]} However, doses that high often lead to blackouts and erratic behavior.^{[citation needed]}

Effects

Effects of 2C-B include:

• the onset, or 'coming up' happens very radically, usually reaching the peak at about 1-7 minutes depending on dosage, this radical change is usually overwhelming to some users and can make them nauseous or frightened, plateau effects are reached in about 10-45 mins and last for about 2-3 hours,but this also depends of method taken (snorted or swallowed) with snorting more intense but shorter duration while swallowing will be a milder longer trip. the hallucinations are much more intense than LSD with the 'rush' that users feel off MDMA and grinding of teeth.

the visuals 'waver' or come and go in a carousel-like pattern meaning that when the effect is strong then dies down, users may feel that the trip is over, only for it to come back stronger. the duration as a whole, though is only about 2-5 hours depending on dosage.

• Some users report aphrodisiac effects at lower doses (5-10mg).
• At higher dosages (greater than 15mg) some users consider the hallucinations a "turn-off" or distracting.
• The hallucinations have a tendency to decrease and then increase in intensity, giving the users a sense of "waves", and are popularly described as "clichéd 70's visuals". Other users have also noted an increase in ones imagination trailing off through artificial scenario experiences; "...visual stories being laid out in my head as if it actually happened and I'm remembering it from a long time ago."
• Excessive giggling or smiling is common, as is a tendency for deeper "belly laughs".
• Some users experience a decrease in visual acuity, paradoxically, others report sharper vision.
• At low doses the experience may shift in intensity from engaging to mild/undetectable. Experienced users report the ability to take control of the effects and switch from engaged to sober at will.
• Increased awareness of one's body; attention may be brought to perceived 'imperfections' or internal body processes.
• Possible side effects include: mild diarrhea, gas, and nausea. Some users have said to experience a slight irritability for roughly a day or so after use. However, these effects are rare and the drug is generally easier on the body than MDMA (Ecstasy).
• Many users report a lack of "comedown" or "crash," instead noting a gradual return to sobriety. However, there are reports of hangover effects, especially when combined with alcohol.

The following effects are highly dose-dependent.

• Open Eye Visuals (OEVs), such as cartoon-like distortions and red or green halos around objects are common. Closed Eye Visuals (CEVs) are more common than OEVs.
• Affects and alters ability to communicate, engage in deep thought, or maintain attention span.
• Some users report experiencing frightening or fearful effects during the experience. Users describe feeling frigid or cold on reaching a plateau, while others feel wrapped in comfortable blankets/ultimate pleasure.
• Coordination may be affected, some users lose balance or have perceptual distinction problems.

• Effects last roughly 2-5 hours.

Dosage

References

1. ^ List of psychotropic substances under international control. Retrieved on 2007-03-30.
2. ^ Drug Enforcement Administration (May 2001). "2C-B (Nexus) Reappears on the Club Drug Scene". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-10-04.

See also

• Phenethylamine
• Psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants

Categorization