2C-E
2C-E is a psychedelic phenethylamine of the 2C-x family, more potent and typically more intense than 2C-B. It is known for strong visual and cognitive effects, a long onset that can tempt premature redosing, and a steep, unforgiving dose-response. It has been implicated in mass-poisoning incidents linked to dosing errors.
01 Overview
2C-E is a 5-HT2A partial agonist producing pronounced open- and closed-eye visuals, deep and sometimes challenging headspace and marked body load. It is more potent than 2C-B, with common doses in the low tens of milligrams, and users describe it as more serious and less recreational in character. Human research is minimal, and knowledge is largely anecdotal and from harm-reduction reporting.
A notable public-health event involved a group poisoning attributed to a dosing error with 2C-E, underscoring how narrow the margin can be between an active and an excessive dose. Risks include intense anxiety, vasoconstriction and, at high doses, agitation and medical emergencies.
02 Mechanism
Partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (with 5-HT2C activity), the shared psychedelic mechanism of the 2C-x family.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 2–5 mg | Oral | Mild effects; long, slow onset. |
| Common | 10–20 mg | Oral | Full psychedelic effect; steep dose-response, easy to overshoot. |
| Strong | 20–30 mg | Oral | Intense and potentially overwhelming; higher risk of distress and body load. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intense visual effectsStrong open- and closed-eye visuals and geometry. | Anecdotal | ||
| Cognitive and introspective effectsDeep, sometimes challenging shifts in thought and perception. | Anecdotal | ||
| EuphoriaPositive mood at well-judged doses, though less consistently than 2C-B. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vasoconstriction and cardiovascular strainVasoconstriction with raised heart rate and blood pressure. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Overdose from long onset / redosingThe slow onset tempts premature redosing, and the steep dose-response makes overshooting easy; mass poisonings have been linked to 2C-E dosing errors. | Severe | Common with dosing error | Observational | |
| Anxiety, agitation and psychological distressPanic, confusion and agitation, occasionally requiring medical attention at high doses. | Severe | Common at higher doses | Anecdotal |