2C-H Facts
Psychedelic;
Description
2C-H (2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) is a synthetic psychedelic of the phenethylamine class. It binds serotonin receptors too weakly to produce psychoactive effects at any practical oral dose.[1][2]
Subjective effects include none that have been confirmed — no human trial has characterized 2C-H by any route.[2] If non-oral delivery achieved brain concentrations, its preference for calming serotonin signaling over psychedelic serotonin signaling suggests a qualitatively different profile from typical 2C compounds.[1]
2C-H is not expected to produce physical dependence, and no toxic dose specific to it has been documented.[3] Its main risk is potent inhibition of MAO-B — the enzyme that clears dopamine and related chemicals — creating dangerous interaction potential with serotonergic or dopaminergic substances.[4]
Dose and duration
No dose or duration recorded for any route.
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Negligible
- Chronic toxicity
- Not assessed
- Physical dependence
- None
- Psychological dependence
- None
- Withdrawal
- None recorded
- Compulsive redosing
- Negligible
Tolerance
- Builds
- Rapid
- Fully resets after
- 8.5 days
- Carries over to
- psychedelic 5-HT₂A agonists
Effectslikely at a common dose
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations61 recorded
Seek help immediately if
Most difficulty is psychological (intense fear, panic, confusion) and passes with calm support — the signs below mean seek emergency help:
- Very high body temperature; hot, dry skin
- Seizures
- Chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat
- Severe muscle rigidity, tremor, or twitching (possible serotonin syndrome)
- Cold, pale, or blue fingers/toes — severe vasoconstriction (notably NBOMe / DOx)
- Persistent vomiting; unconsciousness; uncontrollable agitation or risk of self-harm
What to do
- Stay calm and reassure — remind them they took a drug and the effect will pass
- Move to a calm, quiet, safe space with low light; reduce noise and sensory input
- Keep them from harm — they may act on fear or confusion; stay with them, don't leave them alone
- Talk them down gently; don't grab or restrain unless they're in danger
- For the medical signs above (overheating, seizure, chest pain, vasoconstriction, unresponsive) call emergency services
- If overheating, cool the body; be ready to give rescue breaths / CPR
The experience is time-limited and usually resolves with calm reassurance in a safe setting — psychological first aid, not medication. Serious physical harm is uncommon for classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin) but real for some potent phenethylamines (NBOMe, DOx), where hyperthermia, seizures, and vasoconstriction warrant emergency care.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE
References
- [1]
- [2]
- [3]^Dean BV, Stellpflug SJ, Burnett A, Engebretsen KM (2013) 2C or Not 2C: Phenethylamine Designer Drug Review — Journal of Medical Toxicology doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0295-x
- [4]^Wagmann L, Brandt SD, Stratford A, Maurer HH, Meyer MR (2019) Interactions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human monoamine oxidases — Drug Testing and Analysis doi:10.1002/dta.2494