Classifications
Psychedelic compounds organized by pharmacological classification and mechanism of action.
Classic Psychedelics
Tryptamines, Lysergamides, and Phenethylamines that primarily act on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors to produce profound alterations in perception, cognition, and emotion.
Mechanism of Action
Primarily agonize serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex, disrupting the default mode network and increasing neural connectivity.
1P-LSD
1-Propionyl-lysergic acid diethylamide
8-12 hours · Synthetic (LSD analogue)
25I-NBOMe
2C-I-NBOMe
6-12 hours · Synthetic (developed from 2C-I)
2C-B
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine
4-8 hours · Synthetic (created by Alexander Shulgin)
4-AcO-DMT
4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
4-8 hours · Synthetic (developed by Albert Hofmann)
4-HO-MET
4-Hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine
4-7 hours · Synthetic (developed by Alexander Shulgin)
5-MeO-DMT
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
15-45 minutes (vaporized), 3-6 hours (oral with MAOI) · Natural (plants and Bufo alvarius toad)
AL-LAD
6-Allyl-6-nor-LSD
6-10 hours · Synthetic (lysergamide derivative)
Ayahuasca
Banisteriopsis caapi + Psychotria viridis
4-8 hours · Natural (Amazonian plant combination)
Changa
DMT + MAOI Herbs
15-60 minutes (extended from pure DMT) · Modern creation (traditional plant combinations)
DMT
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
5-30 minutes (smoked), 4-6 hours (oral with MAOI) · Natural (found in plants, animals, and humans)
DOC
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine
12-24 hours · Synthetic (created by Alexander Shulgin)
DPT
N,N-Dipropyltryptamine
2-5 hours (intramuscular), 4-8 hours (oral) · Synthetic (developed for research)
Harmaline
Harmaline Hydrochloride
4-8 hours · Natural (found in Banisteriopsis caapi, Peganum harmala, others)
Iboga
Tabernanthe iboga
8-24 hours (traditional preparation) · Natural (West and Central African forests)
Ibogaine
Ibogaine Hydrochloride
12-36 hours (full experience) · Natural (Tabernanthe iboga plant)
LSA
Lysergic Acid Amide
6-12 hours · Natural (morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds)
LSD
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
8-12 hours · Semisynthetic (derived from ergot fungus)
Mescaline
3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenethylamine
8-14 hours · Natural (cactus species)
Peyote
Lophophora williamsii
8-12 hours · Natural (Chihuahuan Desert region)
Psilocybin
4-Phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
4-6 hours · Natural (Fungal)
San Pedro
Echinopsis pachanoi
8-15 hours · Natural (Andean mountains)
Entactogens
Substances that produce feelings of emotional openness, empathy, and connectedness. The MDMA class primarily enhances serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine release.
Mechanism of Action
Trigger massive release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine while inhibiting their reuptake, producing intense emotional warmth and empathy.
Dissociatives
Compounds that produce feelings of detachment from the body and environment. Includes arylcyclohexylamines (ketamine, PCP) and other NMDA receptor antagonists.
Mechanism of Action
Block NMDA glutamate receptors, disrupting normal sensory processing and producing dissociation between mind and body.
3-MeO-PCP
3-Methoxyphencyclidine
4-8 hours · Synthetic (PCP analogue)
Ketamine
Ketamine Hydrochloride
45-90 minutes (intramuscular), 1-2 hours (oral) · Synthetic (developed 1962)
Nitrous Oxide
N₂O
30 seconds - 5 minutes · Synthetic gas
PCP
Phencyclidine
4-8 hours (effects can persist longer) · Synthetic (developed as anesthetic)
Salvia Divinorum
Salvia divinorum
5-30 minutes (smoked), 1-3 hours (chewed) · Natural (Mexican cloud forests)
Atypical
Psychoactive substances with unique mechanisms that don't fit neatly into other categories. Includes cannabinoids, deliriants, GABAergics, and kappa opioid agonists.
Mechanism of Action
Various mechanisms including CB1 receptor agonism (cannabis), muscarinic antagonism (datura), GABA-A modulation (muscimol), and kappa opioid agonism (salvia).