DET (N,N-Diethyltryptamine)
DET is the diethyl homolog of DMT, a short-to-moderate acting psychedelic tryptamine. Unlike DMT it is reportedly orally active without an MAOI, though effects are milder and often described as less profound. Human data is limited to a handful of 1950s-60s psychiatric investigations plus scattered anecdote.
01 Overview
DET (N,N-diethyltryptamine) was among the tryptamines explored in mid-20th-century experimental psychiatry, including studies of model psychosis and creativity. It is closely related to DMT but with ethyl rather than methyl groups on the terminal nitrogen, which appears to reduce potency and lengthen the experience somewhat.
Modern use is rare and confined to the research-chemical market. Because rigorous pharmacokinetic and safety data are essentially absent, all consumer-relevant claims about dosing and effects rest on old clinical anecdotes and self-reports.
02 Mechanism
Acts as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, the shared mechanism of classical psychedelics, with additional activity at other 5-HT subtypes.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 50–100 mg | Sublingual | Anecdotal. |
| Common | 50–60 mg | IM | Route used in historical psychiatric studies. |
| Common (reported) | 100–150 mg | Oral | Anecdotal; reportedly orally active without an MAOI, unlike DMT. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and perceptual alterationOpen- and closed-eye visuals, colour enhancement and altered perception of time. | moderate | Anecdotal | |
| Altered mood and cognitionEuphoria or introspection reported; historically studied as a model of psychosis. | variable | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety and panicAcute fear, paranoia or overwhelming experiences, especially at higher doses. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Tachycardia and hypertensionRaised heart rate and blood pressure during the acute phase. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal |