Ψ-Phenethylamines (Ψ-PEA), or psi-phenethylamines (psi-PEA), also known as 4-substituted 2,6-dimethoxyphenethylamines, are a family of

psychedelic Psychedelics are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary mental states (known as psychedelic experiences or "trips") and a perceived "expansion of consciousness". Also referred to as classic halluci ...

and related compounds of the

phenethylamine Phenethylamine (PEA) is an organic compound, natural monoamine alkaloid, and trace amine, which acts as a central nervous system stimulant in humans. In the brain, phenethylamine regulates monoamine neurotransmission by binding to trace ami ...

family. They are positional

isomer In chemistry, isomers are molecules or polyatomic ions with identical molecular formula – that is, the same number of atoms of each element (chemistry), element – but distinct arrangements of atoms in space. ''Isomerism'' refers to the exi ...

s of the 4-substituted 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamines (e.g., 2Cs and DOx) and 4-substituted 3,5-dimethoxyphenethylamines (e.g., scalines and 3Cs). Like the preceding groups or substitution patterns of phenethylamine psychedelics, many Ψ-PEA derivatives are likewise potent

serotonergic psychedelic Psychedelics are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary mental states (known as psychedelic experiences or "trips") and a perceived "expansion of consciousness". Also referred to as classic halluci ...

s and are known to act as

serotonin Serotonin (), also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter with a wide range of functions in both the central nervous system (CNS) and also peripheral tissues. It is involved in mood, cognition, reward, learning, ...

5-HT_2A receptor

agonist An agonist is a chemical that activates a Receptor (biochemistry), receptor to produce a biological response. Receptors are Cell (biology), cellular proteins whose activation causes the cell to modify what it is currently doing. In contrast, an R ...

s. Examples of known psychedelic Ψ-PEAs include TMA-6 (Ψ-TMA-2) and Ψ-DOM,

Ψ-2C-T-4 2C-T-4, also known as 4-isopropylthio-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is a psychedelic phenethylamine of the 2C family. It was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin and is used as entheogenic recreational drug. Effects 2C-T-4 produces psychedelic ...

, Ψ-2C-DFMO, and Ψ-DODFMO. Conversely, Ψ-2C-O (TMPEA-6) was inactive. Unlike many other psychedelic phenethylamines, Ψ-PEAs such as TMA-6, Ψ-Aleph, and Ψ-Aleph-2 are known to act as potent

monoamine oxidase inhibitor Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a drug class, class of drugs that inhibit the activity of one or both monoamine oxidase enzymes: monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). They are best known as effective antidepressa ...

s (MAOIs). The Ψ-PEAs are relatively unexplored compared to the other major psychedelic phenethylamine groups. Many Ψ-PEAs have been synthesized or described, but few are known to have been tested in humans.

List and properties of Ψ-PEAs

References

Ψ-PEA (psychedelics) Psychedelic phenethylamines {{Hallucinogen-stub

List and properties of Ψ-PEAs

See also

References