DOB
DOB (4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine) is a highly potent, very long-lasting psychedelic amphetamine. Active doses are in the low milligram range, onset is slow, and effects can last 12-24 hours. It is strongly associated with vasoconstriction; large doses and misdosing have caused severe peripheral vasospasm and limb ischaemia. Human data are limited to case reports and anecdote.
01 Overview
DOB is a member of the DOx family of substituted amphetamines and acts as a potent, long-acting 5-HT2A receptor agonist. Because active oral doses are only a few milligrams and onset can take one to three hours, accidental overdose and premature redosing are recurring hazards. Effects are described as stimulating and intensely visual, persisting far longer than most classical psychedelics.
The most serious documented harm is severe vasoconstriction: case reports describe painful, prolonged peripheral vasospasm and, in overdose, limb ischaemia requiring medical intervention. DOB has also been mis-sold on blotter as LSD, leading to unexpectedly long and physically taxing experiences. Formal human pharmacology is minimal.
02 Mechanism
Potent, long-acting agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors; the amphetamine backbone adds stimulant character and slow metabolism prolongs duration.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 0.5–1 mg | Oral | Very potent; onset is slow (1-3 h) — do not redose early. |
| Common | 1–3 mg | Oral | Narrow margin; small errors sharply change intensity. |
| Strong | 3–4 mg | Oral | High risk of severe vasoconstriction and a very long, taxing experience. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulating visual psychedeliaBright, energetic visuals with amphetamine-like stimulation. | strong | Anecdotal | |
| Very long durationEffects persist for most of a day, often with difficulty sleeping. | 12-24 h | Anecdotal | |
| Cognitive intensityStrong thought-altering and introspective effects. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insomnia and prolonged stimulationDifficulty sleeping through the long tail of effects. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Overwhelming experience from redosingSlow onset invites premature redosing, producing intense, day-long states. | Severe | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Severe vasoconstriction / limb ischaemiaCase reports describe prolonged, painful peripheral vasospasm and, in overdose, threatened limb loss requiring vasodilator treatment. | Life-threatening | Uncommon but serious, dose-dependent | Observational |