5-APB or 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran, a research chemical analog of MDA which is speculated to be a stimulant, entactogen, and psychedelic drug although no conclusive evidence currently exists. It is similar to 6-APB except the oxygen is placed on the opposite side of the furan ring. Recently, it has become available in its pure powder form.
Introduction to 5-APB
6-APB is a relatively new research chemical which has initially gained popularity in products marketed as "plant food" pressed into "pellets" or sometimes in a gelcap. It was marketed and gained popularity as "Benzo Fury". A very misleading name because 6-APB has no relationship with benzodiazapines either structurally or in effects, which are commonly referred to as "benzos". It is important to add that in UK many samples of benzo fury that were tested did not contain 6-APB, often containing D2PM, 5-APB or simply caffeine.
This chemical is a structural analog of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)amphetamine (MDA) where the methylenedioxy ring has been replaced with a benzofuran ring. This effectively puts 5-APB in the amphetamine class of phenethylamines.
5-APB is thought to be a psychedelic amphetamine similar in profile to MDA with entactogenic, stimulant, and psychedelic properties. This would mean that it has re-uptake inhibition effects on serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine as well as being a powerful releaser of these same catecholamines. Additionally it's thought that 5-APB might be an active agonist of the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C. Many hallucinogenic drugs are strong agonists of the 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A receptors. Further, there is a US Patent filed on granted on 16 May, 2006 assigned to Eli Lilly and Company specifically for aminoalkylbenzofurans as serotonin (5-HT2C) agonists.[1]
Using 5-APB
Ways of Administration
5-APB has been seen in powdered form and looks similar to 6-APB and the dosing is similar, though 5-APB seems slightly more potent.
In its pure powder form, 5-APB may be ingested orally, either parachuted or dissolved in a liquid, insufflated, or administered rectally. Though the preferred route of administration is oral. Insufflation results in a quicker onset, the effects do not last as long. Rectal administration could be considered and option to help avoid nausea.
Little is known about dosages or toxicity of this drug, and dosages may vary from individual to individual. The dosages listed here are for the powder form of 5-APB.
Column 1 Column 2 Dosages Oral Threshold 30-50mg Light 40-60mg Normal 50-100mg Strong 80-130mg Heavy 100-?mg Effects of 5-APB
The onset effects of 5-APB (powder form) may be felt between T+0:30-T+1:30 after oral ingestion. The come-up on this has been described as similar to MDMA, but it is somewhat stronger and comes in waves which can take from 2-3 hours to reach the peak of this drug. Pupil dilation is extremely pronounced. Some nausea and possible vomiting may be experienced during this time, especially with higher doses. Auditory and visual hallucinations have also been experienced as well, also experienced at higher doses. Walking is possible, but muscular control and coordination are similar to the feeling one has while under the influence of alcohol, but unlike the mental effects of alcohol, cognitive ability and perception are clear.
Upon reaching plateau, colors are more vivid, there is some mild euphoria, but even though it is related to stimulants, there is at times a profound feeling of calm and relaxation. This phase can last an average of 4 hours or more. Unlike 6-APB, 5-APB appears to have more visual distortion and "trippy" in nature, though the two are similar in effects overall.
Coming down, is very gradual and the effects may still be felt up to 14 hours or more from initial dosing. The after effects can last 24 hours or more. There may be some difficulty with sleep initially, though sometimes it is easy.
After effects might include headache, diarrhea, and since 5-APB is believed to be a very strong serotonin releasing agent, there may be some residual depression in some cases for few days following the experience.
Positive effects include:
- Mood lift
- Increased visual stimulation
- Increased tactile stimulation
- Some euphoria
- Appreciation for music
- Auditory hallucinations
- Visual hallucinations
Adverse effects include:
5-APB does not seem to produce the desire to re-dose, and little is known regarding the effectiveness of "booster" doses commonly applied to drugs such as MDMA and bk-MDMA (Methylone).
- Bruxism
- Nystagmus
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Mydriasis
- Panic
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
5-APB has been experienced at an initial dose of 100mg, then a booster of 50mg at T+2:00, which seems to be quite effective for both enhancing and extending the duration of its effects.
Also, due to tolerance, the addictive potential seems relatively low. Cross-tolerance may occur with similar types of drugs like bk-MDMA, and possibly MDMA due to its ability to deplete serotonin which may take several days to return to normal levels.
Combinations with 5-APB
bk-MDMA (Methylone)
While there is likely some cross-tolerance between 5-APB and bk-MDMA, especially when administering bk-MDMA hours or days after use of 5-APB due to 5-APB's apparent strong SRA (serotonin releasing agent) action, and subsequent serotonin depletion, experience has shown the following dosing to produce good results:
Note that this combination may be considered too much for non-tolerant users, and dosages and times may vary for each individual, though for one test subject a nice afterglow was still felt at T+16:00.
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Time Dose Substance T+0:00 250mg bk-MDMA T+1:45 100mg 5-APB T+3:00 50mg 5-APB Different Uses for 5-APB
Chemistry of 5-APB
Column 1 Column 2 Systematic (IUPAC) name: Synonyms: 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran Molecular Formula: C11H13NO Molar mass: 175.23 g/mol [1] CAS Registry Number: 286834-80-8 Melting Point: Boiling Point: Flash Point: no data Solubility: Additionnal data: Notes: Reagent Test Results
The Dangers of 5-APB
There has been little research into the toxicology of 5-APB. There could be short-term or long-term damage from taking 5-APB, though no studies of the effects have been conducted.
Tolerance builds quickly with this and it takes a while for neurotransmitter levels to return to normal. Frequent use should be discouraged.
Since it is believed to be a strong serotinergic, both a releasing agent and a re-uptake inhibitor, it should never be combined with DXM or MAOI's. This could likely result in a fatal combination.
One should not operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery while under the influence of 5-APB.
Physical Health Risks
<Physical Problem 1 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
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Overdose
Reported Deaths
Mental Health Risks
<Mental Health Risk 1 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
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Side Effects
Addiction
Physical Addiction
Mental Addiction
History of 5-APB
Dr. David Nichols and his team at Purdue as a potential antidepressant and therapy enabling drug, sometime around 1993. His hypothesis in substituting the 3,4 methylenedioxybenzene ring of MDA with a benzofuran ring resulting in pharmacologic effects being similar, more selective in binding, and result in a reduction of neurotoxicity. The oxygen in the 4 position methylenedioxy ring was replaced with a methylene group resulting in the creation of 6-APDB. It's analog, 5-APDB is the result of replacing the 3 position oxygen with a methylene group. His research was centered around the action of the oxygen dipole of the methylenedioxy by removing one of the oxygen and changing its position relative to the aminoalkyl side chain. Other experiments involved replacing both oxygen with a methylene group as well.[2]
In 5-APB there is an unsaturated furan ring where only a single hydrogen is attached to the carbon atoms, which are instead double bonded, on the ring instead of Dr. Nichol's use of a methylene group.
Interestingly, the patent filed by Eli Lilly and Company in Jan, 2000 and granted in May, 2006 makes no mention of Dr. Nichols' team or their published work.[1]
More 5-APB Sections
Research Chemicals - Unidentified Products 6-APB is located in the Research Chemicals, Unknown Products section, and most posts about it should be in this forum.
5-APB
References
- ^ a bBriner et al (Jan, 2000) Aminoalkylbenzofurans as Serotonin (5-HT(2C)) Agonists
- ^ a bMonte AP, Marona-Lewicka D, Cozzi NV, Nichols DE (November 1993). "Synthesis and pharmacological examination of benzofuran, indan, and tetralin analogues of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)amphetamine". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 36 (23): 3700–6.