Research chemicalResearch chemicalPsychedelicTryptamine

DMT (N,N-DMT)

Also known as N,N-DMT · N,N-dimethyltryptamine · Dimitri (slang)

Written by enwyReviewed 4 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a potent, short-acting psychedelic tryptamine found in many plants (and used in ayahuasca) and produced synthetically. Vaporised or injected it produces a rapid, intense, short experience; orally it is inactive without an MAOI. It is among the better-studied psychedelics, with controlled human research, though non-medical use data remain largely observational.

01 Overview

DMT occurs widely in nature and is the principal psychedelic in ayahuasca (where an MAOI renders it orally active). Vaporised, it produces an extremely rapid onset and an intense but brief experience (minutes), frequently described as fully immersive. It has been the subject of controlled human studies of its psychological and physiological effects since the 1990s.

Despite comparatively better characterisation than most novel tryptamines, non-medical use carries real risks: the experience is intense and can be frightening, and combination with MAOIs (as in ayahuasca) raises serotonin toxicity and interaction risks. Dose responses vary by route and between individuals.

02 Mechanism

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist (classical psychedelic mechanism) with activity at other serotonin subtypes; orally metabolised rapidly by monoamine oxidase unless an MAOI is co-administered.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Threshold	10–15 mg	Vaporised	Approximate; from user reports.
Common	20–40 mg	Vaporised	Onset seconds, peak ~2-5 min, total ~10-20 min. Not clinically validated for non-medical use.
Common (oral, with MAOI)	30–60 mg	Oral	Inactive orally without an MAOI; MAOI combination adds significant interaction risk.
Strong	40–60 mg	Vaporised	Full immersive 'breakthrough'; higher risk of overwhelming effects.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Rapid, immersive psychedelic experienceFully immersive visual and cognitive alteration within seconds when vaporised.	intense	Observational
Strong visual effectsComplex geometric and scenic visuals characteristic of the experience.		Observational
Altered sense of self and realityProfound shifts in perception, sometimes described as encountering other 'spaces' or entities.		Observational

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
Challenging / frightening experiencesFear, panic or distress can occur given the sudden intensity.	Moderate	Common	Observational
Cardiovascular stimulationTransient rise in heart rate and blood pressure during the acute phase.	Moderate	Common	Observational
Serotonin toxicity (with MAOIs)Combining oral DMT with MAOIs (ayahuasca-style) or serotonergic drugs raises serotonin syndrome risk.	Life-threatening	Rare but serious	Observational

06 Legal status

United Kingdom

Class A

Controlled as a Class A drug. · as of Jan 2026

United States

Schedule I

DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

Human psychopharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamineStrassman et al.; PubMed

Tryptamine and ayahuasca monitoringEUDA (formerly EMCDDA)

08 Discussion0 comments

Create account

Discussion is moderated. No sourcing, vendor names or price talk — those comments are removed, and repeat posts are banned.

This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.