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EPT Facts

Psychedelic; Substituted tryptamine; Serotonin 2A receptor agonist

Description

EPT (N-ethyl-N-propyltryptamine) is a synthetic psychedelic of the tryptamine class. It activates serotonin receptors in the brain, disrupting the normal filtering of sensory and cognitive input.[1]

Subjective effects include geometric visual patterns, color enhancement, physical euphoria, cognitive clarity, and somatic warmth. The defining quality is an unusual split: vivid visual hallucinogenesis alongside near-sober analytical clarity — lighter and less overwhelming than DPT.[2]

EPT does not produce physical dependence,[3] and its lethal dose is unknown — one postmortem case suspected EPT as a contributing factor, but causation was not established.[4]safety citation needed Psychological risks dominate: preserved clarity makes anxiety register sharply, and combining EPT with monoamine oxidase inhibitors can be life-threatening.[5]

Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies

Insufflated(mg)
Thresholdnot recordedLight20 – 40 mgCommon40 – 80 mgStrong80 – 110 mgHeavy110+ mg

Starts in 5 – 20 minLasts 2 – 4 hoursAfter-effects 1 – 3 hours

Body and dependence

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

Tolerance

Builds
Rapid
Fully resets after
7 days
Carries over to
LSD; psilocybin; DMT; DPT; DET; mescaline; 2C-x series

Effectslikely at a common dose

Perception
none likely · 28 possible, including Visual haze / noise, Spatial disorientation, Vestibular distortion
Body
Pupil dilation; +28 possible, including Nausea, Dizziness, Heart rate perception changes
Thinking
none likely · 30 possible, including Memory suppression, Cognitive impairment, Confusion
Feeling
none likely · 8 possible, including Emotional lability, Anxiety, Paranoia
Self
none likely · 9 possible, including Derealization, Depersonalization
Time
none likely · 3 possible, including Temporal disorientation
Transpersonal
none likely · 1 possible
Awareness
none likely · 4 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
Psychotic spectrum disorders; Concurrent MAOI use; Lithium therapy
Relative
Cardiovascular disease; Family history of psychotic disorders; Bipolar disorder; Severe anxiety disorders; CYP2D6 poor metabolizer status; Pregnancy; Concurrent SSRI/SNRI use

Combinations61 recorded

Lethal (1)
MAOIs
Dangerous (19)
MDMA, MDA; Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist; Dopamine agonists; DXM; GHB, Baclofen; GHB, GBL; Ibogaine; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; Lithium; Local anesthetics; MDMA, Amphetamines; NDRIs (Wellbutrin); NRIs; Psychedelics; Salvia, Ibogaine; SNRIs; SSRIs; Stimulants; Synthetic cannabinoids
Caution (37)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/ept
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]
    ^Fantegrossi WE, Reissig CJ, Katz EB, Yarosh HL, Rice KC, Winter JC (2008) Hallucinogen-like effects of N,N-dipropyltryptamine (DPT): possible mediation by serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in rodents. — Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior PMID:17905422
  2. [2]
    ^Kaleida (pseudonym) (2016) Obliterating the Head: A Retrospective (EPT, DPT, DMT, MET, MPT, MiPT, 5-MeO-MiPT & 5-MeO-EiPT comparative report) Link
  3. [3]
    ^Reiche S, Hermle L, Gutwinski S, Jungaberle H, Gasser P, Majić T (2018) Serotonergic hallucinogens in the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients suffering from a life-threatening disease: A systematic review. — Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.09.012
  4. [4]
    ^Bergh MS, Bogen IL, Grafinger KE, Huestis MA, Øiestad ÅML (2024) Metabolite markers for three synthetic tryptamines N-ethyl-N-propyltryptamine, 4-hydroxy-N-ethyl-N-propyltryptamine, and 5-methoxy-N-ethyl-N-propyltryptamine — Drug Testing and Analysis doi:10.1002/dta.3668
  5. [5]
    ^Rached G, Campana A, Fiani D, et al. (2026) Safety and Efficacy of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in Patients Who Use Psychoactive Substances — CNS Drugs doi:10.1007/s40263-025-01256-7
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