βk-2C-B Facts
Psychedelic;
Description
βk-2C-B (beta-keto 2C-B) is a synthetic stimulant-psychedelic of the substituted cathinone and phenethylamine classes. It blocks dopamine and norepinephrine reabsorption and activates serotonin receptors, producing stimulation alongside psychedelic perceptual shifts.
Subjective effects include geometric visual patterns, physical euphoria, empathogenic warmth, stimulation, and pronounced body load. The experience blends a sustained stimulant foundation with psychedelic perceptual shifts and social openness — closer in character to mescaline-type compounds than to psilocybin or LSD.[1]
βk-2C-B is not considered habit-forming, but the toxic and lethal doses are unknown. It combines cardiovascular stimulation from the cathinone component with serotonergic psychedelic load — one unverified report describes cardiac arrest following use,[2] and smoking it produces at least 12 combustion products of unknown toxicity.[3]
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 20 – 70 minLasts 8 – 12 hoursAfter-effects 2 – 6 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Moderate
- Chronic toxicity
- Low
- Physical dependence
- None
- Psychological dependence
- Negligible
- Withdrawal
- None recorded
- Compulsive redosing
- Low
Tolerance
- Builds
- Rapid
- Fully resets after
- 7 days
- Carries over to
- LSD;
psilocybin; mescaline; DOx series; 2C-x series
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- Color alteration;
Color enhancement; +26 possible, including Visual haze / noise, Spatial disorientation - Body
- Pupil dilation;
Stimulation; Wakefulness; +20 possible, including Heart rate perception changes, Excessive sweating, Vasoconstriction - Thinking
- none likely · 26 possible, including Memory suppression, Thought loops, Suggestibility enhancement
- Feeling
- none likely · 9 possible, including Emotional lability, Anxiety, Paranoia
- Self
- none likely · 7 possible, including Derealization
- Time
- none likely · 3 possible, including Temporal disorientation
- Transpersonal
- none likely · 1 possible
- Awareness
- none likely · 1 possible
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations60 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]^Texter KB, Waymach R, Kavanagh PV, O'Brien JE, Talbot B, Brandt SD, Gardner EA (2018) Identification of pyrolysis products of the new psychoactive substance 2-amino-1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone hydrochloride (bk-2C-B) and its iodo analogue bk-2C-I — Drug Testing and Analysis doi:10.1002/dta.2200