Dangers of dmt
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Dangers of DMT: A Comprehensive Overview
Acute Systemic Toxicity and Psychological Hazards of DMT
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a potent hallucinogenic compound known for its rapid and intense psychoactive effects. Research indicates that the acute systemic toxicity of DMT, particularly when used in traditional ayahuasca brews, is relatively low. Animal studies suggest that the lethal dose in humans is likely more than 20 times the typical ceremonial dose, indicating a significant safety margin1. However, casual use of ayahuasca, especially in combination with other serotonergic substances, can lead to adverse health effects1.
Psychological Reactions and Psychotic Episodes
DMT is capable of inducing profound psychological reactions, including transient psychotic episodes. These episodes are typically short-lived, resolving spontaneously within a few hours1. In a case study, a physician who self-medicated with DMT for bipolar depression experienced altered mental status, mania, and psychosis, highlighting the risks associated with unsupervised use2. Additionally, extended DMT administration in a controlled setting showed that while anxiety levels remained low, the potential for acute psychological tolerance exists3.
Abuse Potential and Dependence
Despite its intense effects, DMT appears to have minimal potential for abuse and dependence. Surveys indicate that DMT is often used infrequently and does not typically lead to a strong urge for repeated use7. The Global Drug Survey found that DMT offers a short-lived psychedelic high with relatively few negative effects, suggesting a low abuse liability7. Furthermore, long-term psychological benefits have been documented when DMT is used in a structured social context, such as religious ceremonies1.
Physiological Effects and Safety
Physiological studies using EEG-fMRI have shown that DMT induces global hyperconnectivity in the brain, affecting regions associated with evolved cognitive functions like language and semantic processing5. These changes correlate with decreased alpha power and increased entropy, indicating significant alterations in brain organization and conscious experience5. However, extended DMT administration in a controlled environment has been found to be psychologically and physiologically safe, with heart rate habituating within 15 minutes of infusion3.
Risks of Self-Medication and Unsupervised Use
The dangers of self-medicating with DMT are underscored by cases of severe psychological disturbances. The case of a physician self-medicating for bipolar depression with DMT and phenelzine resulted in mania and psychosis, emphasizing the risks of unsupervised use2. This highlights the importance of professional supervision and caution when considering DMT for therapeutic purposes.
Conclusion
While DMT has a relatively low systemic toxicity and minimal potential for abuse, it poses significant psychological risks, including transient psychotic episodes and severe reactions when used unsupervised. The physiological effects on brain connectivity and consciousness are profound, necessitating careful consideration and professional oversight in any therapeutic context. Further research is needed to fully understand the safety and long-term effects of DMT use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Risk assessment of ritual use of oral dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids.
Ayahuasca, a decoction of DMT and harmala alkaloids used in religious ceremonies, has a safety margin comparable to codeine, mescaline, or methadone, with minimal dependence potential and sustained psychological disturbance.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedA Physician’s Attempt to Self-Medicate Bipolar Depression with N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
A physician attempted to self-medicate bipolar depression with DMT and phenelzine, but the combination led to altered mental status, mania, and psychosis, highlighting the dangers of self-medication among physicians.
Case ReportPsychological and physiological effects of extended DMT
Continuous intravenous DMT administration is safe and effective for extending the DMT experience, with psychological and physiological safety maintained throughout the infusion period.
RCTA narrative synthesis of research with 5-MeO-DMT
5-MeO-DMT shows potential as a short-acting psychedelic with higher rates of ego-dissolution and mystical experiences, warranting further clinical exploration using similar precautions as other classic psychedelics.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalHuman brain effects of DMT assessed via EEG-fMRI
DMT alters brain organization and the quality of human conscious experience, with areas related to language and semantic processing being most affected.
RCTHighly CitedDMTs and Covid‐19 severity in MS: a pooled analysis from Italy and France
Anti-CD20 therapies increase the risk of severe Covid-19 in MS patients, while interferon reduces the risk.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDimethyltryptamine (DMT): Prevalence, user characteristics and abuse liability in a large global sample
DMT has a high abuse liability and desirable effect profile, with a high prevalence and short-lived psychedelic high, but low urge to use more.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
DMT is the archetype for indole-containing serotonergic psychedelics and is ubiquitously produced by various plant and animal species, with its biological function in human physiology still a mystery.
Highly CitedChronic, Intermittent Microdoses of the Psychedelic N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Produce Positive Effects on Mood and Anxiety in Rodents
Chronic, intermittent microdoses of DMT in rats showed antidepressant-like effects and enhanced fear extinction learning without impacting working memory or social interaction.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedThe epidemiology of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: Benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption
5-MeO-DMT is used infrequently for spiritual exploration, has low addiction potential, and may have psychotherapeutic effects.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited