4-AcO-DMT or O-acetylpsilocin is a synthetic tryptamine psychedelic. 4-AcO-DMT is structurally similar to psilocybin and psilocin (the psychoactive chemicals found in some mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe) and is proposed to be metabolized, at least in part, by acetylase enzymes into psilocin when consumed. Its effects are often described as very similar to those of Psilocybe mushrooms.
Introduction to 4-AcO-DMT
O-acetylpsilocin, also known as psilacetin and 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT), is a synthetic tryptamine psychedelic. It is structurally similar to psilocybin (O-phosphoryl-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), the major psychoactive compounds in mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe.
Using 4-AcO-DMT
Ways of administration
Effects of 4-AcO-DMT
It is often noted that the effects of 4-AcO-DMT are markedly similar to those of consuming psilocybin containing mushrooms. This similarity is thought to be the result of both 4-AcO-DMT and psilocybin being metabolized into the same psychoactive compound, psilocin, after consumption.
The effects of 4-AcO-DMT are therefore primarily psychedelic, and similar to those of consuming psilocybin containing mushrooms.
Positive Effects:
Euphoria
Increased energy, stimulation
Enhanced tactile sensations
Enhanced appreciation of music
Sense of spiritual insight/fulfillment
Neutral Effects:
Strong amplification of emotions (both positive and negative)
Visual and auditory hallucinations
Accelerated but unfocussed thought processes
Altered perception of space and time (especially at high doses)
Mydriasis (pupil dilation)
Compulsive yawning
Negative Effects:
Emotional instability (sense of terror, paranoia, panic attacks, psychotic episodes)
Dysphoria and confusion (increased risk of inadvertent injury)
Temporary hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
Jaw clenching / gurning
Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, abdominal cramps, diahrrea)
Muscle weakness
Inability to concentrate
Combinations with 4-AcO-DMT
Different Uses for 4-AcO-DMT
Pharmacology of 4-AcO-DMT
4-AcO-DMT is believed to act primarily as a prodrug to psilocin. It is believed that following consumption, endogenous acetylases remove the acetyl group from the molecule, liberating psilocin. Psilocin acts primarily via agonism of the 5-HT2A subgroup of serotonin receptors, resulting in effects typical of the 'traditional psychedelics' (psilocybin and LSD).
This is analagous to psilocybin (the major endogenous alkaloid in mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe) acting as a natural prodrug to psilocin. Support for this theory appears to have arisen at least in part from subjective reports suggesting the effects of 4-AcO-DMT to be remarkably similar to that of consuming Psilocybe mushrooms. There is however no empirical evidence to support or refute this hypothesis as yet, since few if any scientific studies on the topic of 4-AcO-DMT have ever been published.
4-AcO-DMT may also be psychoactive in its own right, much as psilocybin acts as both a prodrug to psilocin and as a direct serotonergic agonist. The extent to which the parent drug contributes to the psychoactive effects remains unclear, since the rate of deacetylation to psilocin, and the affinity of 4-AcO-DMT for serotonin receptors is unknown.
The dangers of 4-AcO-DMT
These are the dangers common to all psychedelic drugs:
Accidental injury. When on a psychedelic drug, it is easier to accidentally injure yourself. Also because of the disorientating and potentially delusion inspiring nature of the experience, you could be lead to inflict harm on others or yourself. People have fallen off rooftops, run into traffic, attempted to throw people off rooftops as 'sacrifices', drowned, and so on. The best way of protecting against this is to have a friend with you who is sober to look after you and handle any negative situation that might arise.
Bad trips. A bad trip is a negative psychedelic experience. It can range from a mildly negative feeling of anxiety/discomfort, to full-blown psychosis. Bad trips usually ruin a psychedelic experience for the tripper and everyone else. Most bad trips are manageable, just very uncomfortable and difficult. Some are extreme and unmanageable though. It's not uncommon for a bad trip to result in lingering psychological issues. Usually just a few days of negative emotions and anxiety. Sometimes, however, a week or so of serious anxiety, destabilized mental state and impaired functioning is possible. On very rare occasions, a month or two of severely diminished functioning, traumatized mental state, depression & crippling anxiety can occur. More information on bad trips can be found here. The best way of avoiding a bad trip is having the correct set and setting.
Permanent psychosis. Psychedelics are believed by researchers not to cause permanent psychosis, however they could trigger a latent mental illness in someone who was already predisposed to it, or make existing mental illnesses worse. If there is a history of mental illness in your family, you are more likely to be predisposed. Everyone is at some risk, however.
PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression & depersonalization. There are anecdotal reports of the trauma inflicted by some bad trips leading to depression and anxiety which while usually temporary, could potentially develop into lasting disorders. While no different to the potential of any traumatic event to cause lasting disorders, nonetheless this is a danger of psychedelic drug use.
Legal status of 4-AcO-DMT
United Nations
USA
4-AcO-DMT or Psilacetin is an analog of Psilocin, which is a Schedule I drug in the United States.
Therefore, 4-AcO-DMT could possibly lead to prosecution under the Federal Analog Act.
EU
UK: Class A controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Other Countries
