Ariadne (BL-3912)
Ariadne (4C-D, BL-3912) is an alpha-ethyl homologue of DOM originally investigated by Bristol Laboratories as an antipsychotic and for tardive dyskinesia. It is only weakly psychedelic and has drawn renewed research interest as a possible non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A ligand.
01 Overview
Ariadne (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methyl-alpha-ethylphenethylamine) was studied in the 1960s-70s for schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia, with reports of behavioural improvement at low doses and only mild psychedelic effects. The alpha-ethyl group markedly reduces hallucinogenic potency relative to DOM.
It has re-entered discussion as a lead for 5-HT2A-targeted therapeutics with reduced psychedelic burden. Historical human dosing exists but modern controlled data do not.
02 Mechanism
5-HT2A partial agonist with reduced hallucinogenic efficacy; the alpha-ethyl substitution alters receptor signalling bias compared with DOM.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reported | 30–80 mg | Oral | Historical study range; only mild psychedelic effect. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild perceptual changeWeak psychedelic effect far below DOM at comparable receptor occupancy. | mild | Anecdotal | |
| Possible behavioural calmingHistorical reports of improvement in psychotic and dyskinetic symptoms; unreplicated in modern trials. | uncertain | Preclinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VasoconstrictionDOx-family peripheral vasoconstriction plausible though less emphasised at low potency. | Moderate | Unknown | Anecdotal | |
| Unknown long-term safetyOld investigational data are limited and modern toxicology is absent. | Moderate | Unknown | Unconfirmed |