DOM (STP)
DOM (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine, street name STP) is a potent, very long-acting DOx amphetamine psychedelic. Notorious from 1960s mass-poisonings when high doses caused prolonged, distressing trips, it is active in the low-milligram range with effects lasting 14-20+ hours.
01 Overview
DOM was synthesised by Alexander Shulgin and briefly distributed as STP in 1967, when overly large tablets produced hours-long panic and hospital presentations that shaped its fearsome reputation. It is one of the more studied DOx compounds, with limited early human dosing work and extensive receptor pharmacology.
The extremely long duration is the defining hazard: dose errors cannot be waited out quickly, and like other DOx compounds it carries meaningful peripheral vasoconstriction. Modern exposure is mostly as a research chemical, sometimes mis-sold on blotter.
02 Mechanism
High-affinity partial agonist at 5-HT2A receptors; the alpha-methyl group confers metabolic resistance, explaining potency and the unusually long duration.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 1–2 mg | Oral | |
| Common | 3–5 mg | Oral | Very long duration; effects continue 14-20+ hours. |
| Strong | 5–8 mg | Oral | Higher doses drove the 1967 STP crisis. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marked visual psychedeliaIntense geometric and colour distortions building slowly over hours. | strong | Anecdotal | |
| Cognitive/emotional intensificationAmplified emotion and thought, with a prolonged plateau. | strong | Anecdotal | |
| StimulationAmphetamine-like arousal and reduced appetite contribute to restlessness. | moderate | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InsomniaStimulation plus long duration commonly prevents sleep for a full day. | Moderate | Very common | Anecdotal | |
| Peripheral vasoconstrictionCold extremities, raised blood pressure and cramping typical of DOx compounds; risk of ischaemic injury at high doses. | Severe | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Prolonged anxiety/panicThe 14-20+ hour duration means adverse psychological reactions cannot be quickly waited out. | Severe | Common | Anecdotal |