Toxicities Associated With NBOMe Ingestion—A Novel Class of Potent Hallucinogens: A Review of the Literature

This meta-analysis (2015, n=20) examined the toxicity of the synthetic serotonergic hallucinogen NBOMe reported in publications that described adverse effects in response to analytically confirmed human ingestion. Severe adverse effects included agitation (85.0%), tachycardia (85.0%), and hypertension (65.0%), and seizures (40.0%) among patients.

Abstract

“Objective: A new class of synthetic hallucinogens called NBOMe has emerged as drugs of abuse. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of published reports of toxicities associated with NBOMe ingestion.

Methods: We searched the PubMed for relevant English language citations that described adverse effects from analytically confirmed human NBOMe ingestion. Demographic and clinical data were extracted.

Results: Ten citations met criteria for inclusion, representing 20 individual patients. 25I-NBOMe was the most common analog identified, followed by 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe. Fatalities were reported in 3 (15%) cases. Seven (35%) were discharged after a period of observation, while 8 (40.0%) required admission to an intensive care unit. The most common adverse effects were agitation (85.0%), tachycardia (85.0%), and hypertension (65.0%). Seizures were reported in 8 (40.0%) patients. The most common laboratory abnormalities were elevated creatine kinase (45.0%), leukocytosis (25.0%), and hyperglycemia (20.0%).

Conclusion: NBOMe ingestion is associated with severe adverse effects. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for NBOMe ingestion in patients reporting the recent use of hallucinogens.”

Authors: Joji Suzuki, Michael A. Dekker, Erin S. Valenti, Fabiola A. Arbelo Cruz, Ady M. Correa, Justin L. Poklis & Alphonse Poklis

Summary of Toxicities Associated With NBOMe Ingestion—A Novel Class of Potent Hallucinogens: A Review of the Literature

Introduction

NBOMes are N-benzylmethoxy derivatives of the 2C family of hallucinogens, which are phenethylamines with methoxy substitutions at positions 2 and 5 and a substitution at position 4 often consisting of a halogen. They produce effects similar to mescaline, but have a higher affinity at the 5-HT2A receptor.

Methods

To access this content, you must purchase one of the following memberships: Pro Membership, Pro Membership Unlimited, Business Membership or Business Membership Unlimited. The membership will give you access to exclusive data, including summaries of psychedelic research papers, extended company info, and our member-only visualisations. Save yourself multiple hours each week by accessing Blossom’s resource library.