25I-NBOMe
25I-NBOMe is a synthetic substituted phenethylamine psychedelic made from 2C-I by adding an N-benzyl group.12 Ralf Heim synthesized it at the Free University of Berlin in 2003,34 and it began appearing in recreational markets around 2010.5 It is notably potent, with active doses below one milligram.3 25I-NBOMe has a low safety ratio compared to classical psychedelics and has frequently been sold misrepresented as LSD.24
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Sublingual administration is the most widely used method for this substance. The material is typically held beneath the tongue or against the inner cheek for 15 to 25 minutes prior to swallowing. Users commonly report a pronounced metallic taste and numbness in the mouth. Doses at the heavy end of the range have been linked to fatal outcomes.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
The head space of 25I-NBOMe is described by many as remarkably light and underwhelming in comparison to the classical psychedelics. It is not uncommon for people to report feeling that their thought stream has maintained general normality in its specific style throughout low to moderate dosages. At high dosages however, mild to overwhelming cognitive alterations become present.
Visual
Distortions
Geometry
The visual geometry of 25I-NBOMe is often described as similar in appearance to that of LSD. They can be comprehensively described as algorithmic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, fine and zoomed out in detail, fast and smooth in motion, structured in shape, colourful in scheme, glossy in colour, sharp around the edges and mostly rounded across their corners. In comparison to other more commonly used psychedelics, they can be described as significantly more intricate than the visual geometry found within 2C-I and most of the 2C-x family and are completely on par with LSD, psilocin and DMT at appropriately high dosages. In terms of their behaviour, 25I-NBOMe's geometry leads onto Level 7A visual geometry with Level 7B remaining so far unconfirmed within this substance. They also seem to consistently build up in visual intensity when the tripper stares at a central point. This eventually envelops the visual field and creates the sensation that the tripper has broken through into a continuously shifting geometric landscape or structure with a vast sense of immersive physical size attributed to it.
Hallucinatory States
25I-NBOMe is capable of producing a full range of hallucinatory states within the level 1-3 range extremely consistently. However, level 4 hallucinatory breakthroughs are reported but very uncommon and inconsistent in comparison to other more commonly used psychedelics such as psilocin, 2C-E and DMT.
Auditory
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
25I-NBOMe acts as a potent agonist at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor with exceptionally high binding affinity (Ki values ranging from 0.044 to 2.2 nM across studies).6 Functional assays generally characterize it as a high-efficacy partial agonist at 5-HT2A, with most studies reporting intrinsic activity between 78% and 91% relative to serotonin, though one study found substantially lower efficacy at 27%.6 Its psychedelic activity appears to be mediated primarily through 5-HT2A, as the head-twitch response it produces in mice is fully blocked by a selective 5-HT2A antagonist.7 25I-NBOMe also activates 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors, with biased agonism reported at 5-HT2C.6 Beyond serotonin receptors, it shows weaker affinity at histamine H1, adrenergic α1 and α2, and dopamine receptors, and has been found to increase dopamine levels in rodent brain regions despite being inactive as a monoamine reuptake inhibitor or releasing agent.689
Pharmacokinetics
25I-NBOMe undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily through CYP3A4, with additional contributions from CYP2C19, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, and CYP2D6.10 It is not metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO-A or MAO-B). The principal Phase I metabolic pathways involve O-demethylation, hydroxylation, and N-dealkylation, followed by Phase II glucuronidation and sulfation.10 Its intrinsic clearance rate (approximately 4.2 L/h/kg) substantially exceeds hepatic blood flow, resulting in extensive first-pass metabolism and negligible oral bioavailability. CYP3A4 expression in the gut may contribute further to pre-systemic degradation.
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Serotonergic psychedelics, All psychedelics (5-HT2A agonists)
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low25I-NBOMe is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. The rapid development of tolerance makes compulsive use essentially impossible. It is most often self-regulating.
Physical
Extremely LowNo physical dependence or withdrawal syndrome has been documented. As with other psychedelics, physical dependence does not develop with use.
Toxicity
Acute kidney injury has been documented in overdose cases, typically as a secondary complication of rhabdomyolysis rather than direct nephrotoxicity;11 this risk is primarily associated with severe overdoses.
Long-term neurological effects including memory and speech difficulties have been occasionally reported following use; animal studies suggest potential for reduced hippocampal neurogenesis, though human relevance is unclear.13
Psychosis Risk
Confusion, delirium, paranoia, and psychotic episodes have been documented, particularly at strong doses or higher.114 Anxiety and paranoia appear to occur more readily than with other psychedelics. At least one fatal stabbing occurred during a psychotic episode induced by the drug. Persistent anxiety and PTSD have been reported following difficult experiences.14 Delirious states can include aggression and agitation, presenting danger to users and those nearby.114
Seizure Risk
Seizures are one of the most frequently appearing symptoms in severe overdoses and fatalities.45 This effect is far more common at doses exceeding heavy ranges and may manifest as status epilepticus lasting more than 5 minutes or requiring medical intervention to stop.4 Seizures were present in 3 of 7 patients in one analytically confirmed case series.11
History & Culture
Trip Reports
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Legality
International
1961 Single Convention: 25I-NBOMe is not individually scheduled.
1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances: Schedule I.
1988 Convention: 25I-NBOMe is not listed in precursor Tables I or II.
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Herian M, Wojtas A, Kamińska K, Świt P, Wach A, & Gołembiowska K. (2020). Contribution of serotonin receptor subtypes to hallucinogenic activity of 25I-NBOMe and to its effect on neurotransmission. Pharmacological Reports, 72, 1593–1603. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43440-020-00181-41
- Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division, Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section. (2026). 25I-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, and 25B-NBOMe. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/nbome.pdf12
- Poklis JL, Devers KG, Arbefeville EF, Pearson JM, Houston E, & Poklis A. (2015). Analysis of 25I-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe and Other Dimethoxyphenyl-N-[(2-Methoxyphenyl) Methyl]Ethanamine Derivatives on Blotter Paper. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 39(8), 617–623. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkv07312
- Zawilska JB, Kacela M, & Adamowicz P. (2020). NBOMes–Highly Potent and Toxic Alternatives of LSD. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, Article 78. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.000781234567891011121314
- Poulie CBM, Jensen AA, Halberstadt AL, & Kristensen JL. (2020). DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: NBOMes. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 11(23), 3860–3869. https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00528123456789
- (December 2015). Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs). Neuropharmacology, 99, 546–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.03412345678910111213
- (February 2014). Effects of the hallucinogen 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I) and superpotent N-benzyl derivatives on the head twitch response. Neuropharmacology, 77, 200–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.08.0251
- (July 2019). Hallucinogen-Like Action of the Novel Designer Drug 25I-NBOMe and Its Effect on Cortical Neurotransmitters in Rats. Neurotox Res, 36(1), 91–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-019-00033-x1234
- (December 2018). Neurochemical pharmacology of psychoactive substituted N-benzylphenethylamines: High potency agonists at 5-HT2A receptors. Biochem Pharmacol, 158, 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2018.09.0241
- (May 2017). Characterization of the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of 25I-NBOMe and 25I-NBOH. Drug Test Anal, 9(5), 671–679. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.2031123
- (July 2013). Severe clinical toxicity associated with analytically confirmed recreational use of 25I-NBOMe: case series. Clinical Toxicology, 51(6), 487–492. https://doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2013.80279512345678
- (2019). Acute Limb Ischemia after Intake of the Phenylethylamine Derivate NBOMe. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph1624507112
- (2013). Effects of psilocybin on hippocampal neurogenesis and extinction of trace fear conditioning. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-013-3579-012
- (2023). Chronic psychosis associated with new hallucinogenic drug 25I-NBOMe. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10661179/1
- (December 2006). Molecular interaction of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor residues Phe339(6.51) and Phe340(6.52) with superpotent N-benzyl phenethylamine agonists. Molecular Pharmacology, 70(6), 1956–1964. https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.106.0287201
- (June 2008). High specific activity tritium-labeled N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (INBMeO): a high-affinity 5-HT2A receptor-selective agonist radioligand. Bioorg Med Chem, 16(11), 6116–6123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2008.04.0501
- (November 2010). Radiosynthesis and evaluation of 11C-CIMBI-5 as a 5-HT2A receptor agonist radioligand for PET. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 51(11), 1763–1770. https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.109.07402112
- (August 2014). The NBOMe hallucinogenic drug series: Patterns of use, characteristics of users and self-reported effects in a large international sample. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(8), 780–788. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811145238661
- (2013). Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Three Synthetic Phenethylamines Into Schedule I. 78(220), 68716–68720. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/11/15/2013-27315/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-three-synthetic-phenethylamines-into12
- (2019-06-26). BGBl. II Nr. 167/2019 — Verordnung: Änderung der Suchtgiftverordnung (Annex V.1 — 25I-NBOMe). Bundesgesetzblatt (Austrian Federal Law Gazette) / RIS Bundeskanzleramt. https://ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2019_II_167/BGBLA_2019_II_167.html1
- (2014-02-18). Resolução RDC Nº 6, de 18 de fevereiro de 2014 — Inclusão de substâncias na Lista F2 (Portaria SVS/MS nº 344/98). ANVISA / Diário Oficial da União. https://portal.crfsp.org.br/113-juridico/legislacao/5328-resolucao-rdc-no-06-de-18-de-fevereiro-de-2014-anvisa.html1
- (n.d.). Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule III. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-17.html1
- (2015-09-27). China: China announces controls over 116 New Psychoactive Substances (effective 1 October 2015). UNODC Legislative Support Section. https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Announcement/Details/83b02e73-4896-4ed5-944c-51a7646647aa1
- (2014-04-01). Report on the risk assessment of 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25I-NBOMe) in the framework of the Council Decision on new psychoactive substances. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). https://www.euda.europa.eu/system/files/publications/772/TDAK14001ENN_480887.pdf1234
- (2019). Anlage I BtMG. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html1
- (2015-02-27). Decreto 10 febbraio 2015 — Aggiornamento delle tabelle contenenti l'indicazione delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope (Gazzetta Ufficiale n.48 del 27-02-2015). Ministero della Salute / Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana. https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2015/02/27/15A01336/sg1
- (2015-06-04). Staatsblad 2015, 237 — Besluit houdende wijziging van lijst I, behorende bij de Opiumwet (25I-NBOMe e.a.). Staatsblad van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden / Overheid.nl. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stb-2015-237.html1
- (2016-12-22). Misuse of Drugs (Classification and Presumption of Supply—25B-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, and 25I-NBOMe) Order 2016 (LI 2016/89). New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office / legislation.govt.nz. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0089/latest/whole.html1
- (2013-08-01). LVFS 2013:15 — Läkemedelsverkets föreskrifter om förteckningar över narkotika (Medical Products Agency Regulation on Lists of Narcotics). Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket). https://www.lakemedelsverket.se/en/narcotic-drugs1
- (n.d.). Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel (BetmVV-EDI) — Verzeichnis d. Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (EDI) / Fedlex. https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2011/363/de1
- (n.d.). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled-drugs-list--2/list-of-most-commonly-encountered-drugs-currently-controlled-under-the-misuse-of-drugs-legislation1
- (n.d.). 21 CFR § 1308.11(d). ecfr.gov. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1308/section-1308.111
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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