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DOB Facts

Psychedelic; Substituted amphetamine; Serotonin 2A receptor agonist

Description

DOB (2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine) is a synthetic psychedelic of the substituted amphetamine class. It activates serotonin receptors in the brain, producing the visual and cognitive shifts of classical psychedelics.

Subjective effects include geometric visual patterns, color enhancement, thought acceleration, emotional enhancement, and physical stimulation. The experience has a driven, energetic quality — alert and propulsive rather than dreamy or sedating, reflecting its dual nature as both a psychedelic and a stimulant.[1]

DOB does not produce physical dependence,[2] but active doses sit close to toxic ones — one confirmed human fatality exists.[3] The narrow margin is compounded by severe blood vessel constriction at high doses and the impossibility of sleeping through adverse effects.

Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies

Oral(mg)
Threshold< 0.2 mgLight0.2 – 0.75 mgCommon0.75 – 1.75 mgStrong1.75 – 3 mgHeavy3+ mg

Starts in 30 – 90 minLasts 18 – 30 hoursAfter-effects 6 – 24 hours

Body and dependence

Acute toxicity
Critical
Chronic toxicity
Low
Physical dependence
None
Psychological dependence
Negligible
Withdrawal
None recorded
Compulsive redosing
Negligible

Tolerance

Builds
Rapid
Fully resets after
8.5 days
Carries over to
LSD; psilocybin; mescaline; DOM; DOI; DOC

Effectslikely at a common dose

Perception
Color enhancement; Visual drifting; Color alteration; Depth perception distortion; Perspective distortion; Tracers; Brightness alteration; Environmental patterning; Geometry; Visual breathing; Visual morphing; +22 possible, including Spatial disorientation, Visual haze / noise, Vestibular distortion
Body
Stimulation; Appetite suppression; Vasoconstriction; Pupil dilation; Restlessness; Wakefulness; Body scan awareness; Dry mouth; Insomnia; +28 possible, including Muscle tension, Nausea, Dehydration sensation
Thinking
Pattern recognition enhancement; Thought acceleration; Thought connectivity; Immersion enhancement; Novelty enhancement; +31 possible, including Analysis suppression, Suggestibility enhancement, Memory suppression
Feeling
none likely · 10 possible, including Anxiety, Emotional lability, Paranoia
Self
none likely · 12 possible, including Derealization, Communication suppression, Depersonalization
Time
Time alteration; Temporal disorientation; +3 possible
Transpersonal
none likely · 1 possible
Awareness
none likely · 3 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
Cardiovascular disease; Epilepsy; Bipolar disorder; Psychotic disorders; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Concurrent lithium use; Concurrent MAOI use

Combinations60 recorded

Lethal (1)
MAOIs
Dangerous (26)
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist; Amphetamines; Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine; GHB, GBL; Local anesthetics; MDMA, MDA; NRIs; Opioids; SSRIs; Stimulants; 5-HTP, Tryptophan; Antipsychotics; Buspirone; Caffeine; Dopamine agonists; DXM; GHB, Baclofen; Ibogaine; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; Lithium; NDRIs (Wellbutrin); NSAIDs; Psychedelics; Salvia, Ibogaine; and 2 more, see full page
Caution (29)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/dob
Not graded (4)
Not listed never means safe.

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

  1. Stay calm and reassure — remind them they took a drug and the effect will pass
  2. Move to a calm, quiet, safe space with low light; reduce noise and sensory input
  3. Keep them from harm — they may act on fear or confusion; stay with them, don't leave them alone
  4. Talk them down gently; don't grab or restrain unless they're in danger
  5. For the medical signs above (overheating, seizure, chest pain, vasoconstriction, unresponsive) call emergency services
  6. 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

Version r1 · Not medical advice

References

  1. [1]
    ^Martin WR, Vaupel DB, Nozaki M, Bright LD (1978) The identification of LSD-like hallucinogens using the chronic spinal dog. — Drug and Alcohol Dependence PMID:272982
  2. [2]
    ^Nichols DE (2016) Psychedelics — Pharmacological Reviews doi:10.1124/pr.115.011478
  3. [3]
    ^Balíková M (2005) Nonfatal and fatal DOB (2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine) overdose. — Forensic Science International PMID:15979834
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