I was the universe
The subjective effects of 5-MeO-DMT are unique compared to other psychedelics. There is a lack of visual patterns and kaleidoscope visions. Instead there is a perception of pure white or black light, complete ego-dissolution, and experiences of ‘emptiness’, ‘nothingness’ or a ‘void’ (Millière, 2018). It’s considered a very strong ‘entheogen’ because of the spiritual nature of the experience.
5-MeO-DMT-containing toad venom was used by ancient civilizations in shamanic healing ceremonies.
The experience of 5-MeO-DMT is unique from classical psychedelics. Complete ego-dissolution and ineffable mystical journeys are characteristic. Similar to other psychedelic compounds, preliminary research indicates 5-MeO-DMT could have a tolerable safety profile in controlled settings.
Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT is an alternative that can alleviate the peril of toad populations and their natural habitats. Synthetic drugs allow for much more precise dosing which is paramount for a drug as potent as 5-MeO-DMT. Drug development sponsors are now making a synthetic version to test for treating mental health conditions after anecdotal reports of 5-MeO-DMT bringing relief for depression, anxiety, substance use, and mood disorders.
Dosing, Duration of Effects, & Routes of Administration
Smoking 5-MeO-DMT or vaporization results in a rapid onset of effects after about 10 seconds. Peak effects occur in roughly 2-10 minutes, lasting for 15-30 minutes
Intranasal administration and intramuscular injection of 5-MeO-DMT produce a slower onset of effects (intranasal: 5-7 mins, intramuscular: 1-6 mins), peak at 10-30 mins, and have longer-lasting effects up to 1 hour
Intravenous injection allows for complete bioavailability and precise control of dosage, but the onset of effects is very rapid and individuals can be sensitive to even small changes in dose.
Buccal/Sublingual administration also avoids first pass metabolism but absorption may be limited or too slow.
5-MeO-DMT is an extremely potent substance. In fact, most users report the 5-MeO-DMT experience to be distinct from and much more intense than other psychedelics (Barsuglia, 2018; Davis, 2018).
Depending on the route of administration, the onset and duration of effects vary. Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT and toad forms differ in terms of dosing and route of administration. Toad venom can only be administered through vaporization because of other chemicals present in the venom.
Because individuals an experience a range of intensity at any given dose, facilitators will often first administer a very low dose to test a person’s sensitivity to the substance. The lower dose ranges allow the user to become familiar with nature of the effects. If well tolerated, the dose can be increased to achieve broader shifts in consciousness.
Smoked Dosage.
Threshold: 1 mg.
Light: 3 – 6 mg.
Common: 6 – 12 mg.
Strong: 12 – 20 mg.
Heavy: 20 mg +
Duration.
Total: 20 – 40 minutes
Onset: 5 – 60 seconds
Come up: 30 – 60 seconds
Peak: 5 – 15 minutes
Offset: 10 – 20 minutes
After effects_ 15 – 60 minutes
Risks & Negative Effects.
Extreme fear and terror can occur.
Delayed effects such as muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and flashbacks to the initial drug session may be experienced up to 1 week after 5-MeO-DMT use.
Very few cases report hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) in which psychological symptoms or flashbacks persist weeks to years after psychedelic use. But there hasn’t been investigations or organized efforts to collect information about negative outcomes.
List of common negative effects:
Neusea or vomiting, confusion, delusion, loss of motor control, anger, sadness or anger, tremors, shaking, pupil dilation, blackout, skin flushing etc.
Risk of Serotonin Toxicity
Drugs that increase the amount of serotonin in synapses can potentially cause serious adverse events if serotonin levels reach a toxic threshold. Medications classified as monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SRIs, SSRIs, SNRIs), and serotonin releasing agents (MDMA) are associated with serotonin toxicity. Combination of these drugs can escalate risk for having too much serotonin accumulate in neural synapses.
5-MeO-DMT should NOT be taken with monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)! As we learned earlier, metabolism of 5-MeO-DMT relies on MAO.
If 5-MeO-DMT is taken alone within defined dose ranges, the risk for serotonin toxicity is reportedly low. More research is needed to understand how other sertonergic drugs, including SSRIs, possibly interact with 5-MeO-DMT to affect toxicity.
Lithium should be avoided with 5-MeO-DMT because of increased chance of seizures.