6-APB (Benzofury)
6-APB is a benzofuran entactogen structurally related to MDA, acting as a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent. Marketed as 'Benzofury', it produces MDMA-like empathogenic and stimulant effects. Human data is essentially limited to user reports and case reports; a longer duration than MDMA is commonly described.
01 Overview
6-APB (6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran) emerged around 2010 as a legal-high alternative to MDMA, sold widely under the 'Benzofury' brand as pellets or powder. It is a monoamine releaser with additional agonist activity at 5-HT2 receptors.
No controlled human pharmacology studies exist. Reported effects and risks derive from self-reports, poisons-centre calls and forensic case series. Users describe a slower onset and notably longer duration (up to 8-12 hours) than MDMA, which is associated with prolonged sympathomimetic strain.
02 Mechanism
Non-selective releaser of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine with agonist activity at 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptors. The 5-HT2B agonism raises theoretical concern for cardiac valvulopathy with repeated use.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 40–75 mg | Oral | User-reported ranges only; no clinical validation. |
| Common | 75–110 mg | Oral | Long duration means redosing compounds cardiovascular load. |
| Strong | 110–150 mg | Oral | Higher risk of hyperthermia and serotonin toxicity. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empathy and emotional opennessMDMA-like prosocial and emotionally warm state described in user reports. | Anecdotal | ||
| Stimulation and euphoriaIncreased energy, sociability and mood elevation. | Anecdotal | ||
| Long durationExtended effect window versus MDMA, often unwanted at the comedown. | ~8-12 h | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperthermiaElevated core temperature reported in intoxications, as with other serotonergic releasers. | Severe | Common at higher doses / warm settings | Observational | |
| Cardiovascular strainTachycardia, hypertension and palpitations; 5-HT2B agonism raises theoretical valvulopathy concern. | Severe | Common | Observational | |
| Serotonin syndromeAgitation, hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperthermia and autonomic instability reported. | Life-threatening | Uncommon; higher with serotonergic co-use | Observational |