5-APDB
5-APDB is a benzofuran/dihydrofuran entactogen, the dihydro analog of 5-APB and a close relative of MDA. It produces MDMA-like emotional openness with a relatively serotonergic, less stimulating profile. Human data are essentially absent; it carries the serotonergic neurotoxicity, hyperthermia, and serotonin-syndrome concerns of the MDMA class.
01 Overview
5-APDB ("3-desoxy-MDA") emerged as a research chemical marketed as a legal MDMA-like substance. Anecdotal reports describe smooth entactogenic effects with less jittery stimulation than 5-APB, lasting roughly 4-6 hours.
No formal human pharmacology or safety data exist. Its serotonin-releasing action implies the same neurotoxicity and serotonin-syndrome risks as MDMA. It is banned or scheduled in many jurisdictions.
02 Mechanism
Serotonin-preferring substrate releaser at monoamine transporters with additional 5-HT2 receptor affinity, producing entactogenic effects.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 40–70 mg | Oral | Reported light range; potency uncertain |
| Common | 70–120 mg | Oral | Anecdotal common range |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entactogenic opennessMDMA-like warmth and sociability reported by users. | Moderate | Anecdotal | |
| Mild stimulationLess stimulating and smoother than 5-APB. | Mild | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serotonin syndromeTheoretical but serious risk from serotonin release, especially in combination. | Life-threatening | Rare, higher with serotonergic drugs | Unconfirmed | |
| Cardiovascular strainElevated heart rate and blood pressure; benzofurans are noted for stronger vasoconstriction than MDMA. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| HyperthermiaOverheating risk as with other MDMA-class drugs. | Severe | Uncommon | Unconfirmed |