DON
DON (2,5-dimethoxy-4-nitroamphetamine) is a psychedelic amphetamine of the DOx series, the 4-nitro analogue of DOB and DOM. Like other DOx compounds it is highly potent, active in the low milligram range, and very long-acting. Human data is limited to Shulgin's self-experiments and sparse anecdotal reports; there are no controlled studies.
01 Overview
DON belongs to the DOx family of substituted amphetamine psychedelics, which are 5-HT2A agonists distinguished by high potency and unusually long duration, often twelve hours or more. DON carries a 4-nitro group in place of the bromine of DOB or the methyl of DOM.
Human knowledge is confined largely to PiHKAL and a few user reports. As with all DOx compounds, the combination of high potency, slow onset and very long duration is a practical hazard: the delayed onset invites redosing, and an overdose produces an extended and potentially frightening experience. The DOx class is also associated with strong vasoconstriction at high doses.
02 Mechanism
Agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, the shared mechanism of classical psychedelics; the amphetamine backbone confers high potency and long duration.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 1.5–2.5 mg | Oral | Onset of noticeable effects; sensitivity varies and onset is slow. |
| Common | 3–5 mg | Oral | Range reported in PiHKAL; not clinically validated. Slow onset invites hazardous redosing. |
| Strong | 5–7 mg | Oral | Higher doses extend an already very long duration and raise vasoconstriction risk. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual distortionColour enhancement and geometric patterning reported with DOx compounds. | strong | Anecdotal | |
| StimulationAmphetamine-like stimulation and increased energy typical of the DOx class. | Anecdotal | ||
| Very long durationEffects reported to last twelve hours or more, characteristic of DOx compounds. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prolonged, difficult experienceThe very long duration means an anxious or overwhelming experience can persist for many hours. | Moderate | Common with overdose | Anecdotal | |
| Peripheral vasoconstrictionCold, painful extremities from vasoconstriction, a recognised hazard of the DOx class at high doses. | Severe | Common at higher doses | Anecdotal | |
| Hypertension and tachycardiaRaised blood pressure and heart rate reported with DOx overdose. | Severe | Uncommon | Anecdotal |