DMT: effects and mechanism of action of this substance

DMT is a psychoactive substance with potent hallucinogenic effects.. It is a compound present in different plants, and to a lesser extent in the brain of mammals. Likewise, it is an element that has been frequently used in mystical and spiritual rituals over time. In recent times, its use has also been transferred to pharmacology in different psychiatric treatments.

Next we will see what DMT is, what are its main effects and what is its mechanism of action.

• Related article: "Types of drugs: know their characteristics and effects"

What is DMT?

DMT is an acronym that refers to N, N-dimethyltryptamine, a chemical with potent hallucinogenic properties obtained from plant substances. Its consumption can be in the form of an extract, or as a refined synthetic. In the latter case, the product is a small solid that is generally white in color; although when mixed with other substances for illegal sale it can have different colors.

This substance is consumed orally, either by ingestion or by inhalation (ie, smoked). In both cases its effects are perceived almost immediately, although when consumed by inhalation, its effect It is faster and avoids the possible adverse reactions that its absorption by the stomach implies at the time of administration. intake.

As it is a component that can be found in one or more plant elements, DMT It is considered as an entheogenic substance. One of these elements is, for example, the psychotria vidris or chacruna, a plant used to prepare ayahuasca or yagé (traditional indigenous drink used by various American peoples).

Likewise, and in small proportions, DMT is produced by our own brain, which is also considered an endogenous chemical substance. On the other hand, DMT belongs to the pharmacological category of tryptamines, which are alkaloids with neuromodulatory effects.

Finally, due to its effects on the body, DMT is considered a hallucinogenic-type psychoactive substance. That is to say, its main effect is to produce hallucinations, with special existential and mystical content. For this reason it is also known as "the molecule of God."

• You may be interested in: "The story of the doctor who tried to treat his depression by smoking DMT every day"

Mechanism of action

DMT works by inhibiting an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). That is, it is activated when another substance prevents MAOs from acting within the body. This is so because this enzyme, MAO, has the main function of inactivating or degrading some neurotransmitters, among which is dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, adrenaline, and also DMT.

Put another way, when monoamine oxidase activity is inhibited, DMT levels are also prevented from gradually decreasing. Thus, for DMT to have its effects, it must be mixed with some substance that is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Some substances that act as MAOIs are the alkaloids of the beta-carboline class, present in plants such as the Cape periwinkle, ryegrass or English grass, or the fescue arundinacea. On the other hand, the plants that contain DMT (whose analogue in pharmacology is the group of tryptamines) are the chacruna or the chaliponga.

In short, for DMT to have its effects, it is necessary mix this tryptamine with some MAOI substance. For this reason, DMT is usually consumed together with drugs of this type, originally used for the treatment of depression. By mixing them, the effects of DMT are enhanced and prolonged, although these usually last no more than 30 minutes.

However, DMT can also be consumed without the need for MAOI substances and drugs, having an imperceptible effect. It is rapidly metabolized in the body and its consumption without MAOIs does not generate tolerance, probably due to its endogenous and entheogenic nature.

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Three main effects and uses

The effects of DMT usually last between 5 and 30 minutes and are mainly hallucinations of various kinds. Although these effects are short-lived, the experiences they cause are often very intense. Likewise, DMT has been related to brain activity and to pharmacological treatment of some psychiatric diagnoses. Following the above, we will see below three of its main effects.

1. hallucinations

As we have said, the main effect of DMT is to cause hallucinations, both visual and auditory and sensory, with a fairly elaborate mystical content. For example, may include extrasensory or nonverbal communications with different beings or perception of having made astral journeys.

Likewise, its prolonged use and in high doses can induce manic and psychotic episodes, or an increase in the symptoms associated with these states. In the same way (and as usually happens with psychoactive substances), it can generate withdrawal syndromes in the event of a sudden withdrawal.

• Related article: "Hallucinations: Definition, Causes, and Symptoms"

2. Hypothesis about its role in the brain

The functions of this substance in the brain of humans and animals remain a mystery. Some hypotheses hold that is involved in dream experiences, that is, in the visual effects developed when we dream. Likewise, some hypotheses say that it can serve as a precursor of near-death experiences. This last one is another of the reasons why it is considered as "the molecule of God" or, "molecule of the spirit".

3. medical use

Similarly, this substance has been linked to some neurodegenerative medical conditions, for its activity on the Sigma-1 receptor (a protein found in much of the nervous system central). For the same use has been significantly related to different psychiatric diagnoses such as schizophrenia, and also with the treatment of depression.

The latter may be related to an increase in the global connectivity of some areas of the brain, as well as an enhancing effect. of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, associated with euphoric mood states, although there is no consensus in the scientific community on this.

Bibliographic references:

• Brown, T.; Shao, W.; Ayub, S.; Chong, D. & Cornelius, C. (2017). A Physician's Attempt to Self-Medicate Bipolar Depression with N, NDimethyltryptamine (DMT), Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. Taylor & Francis Group. United States of America.
• Miliano, C., Serpelloni, G., Rimondo, C., Mereu, M., Matteo, M. and DeLuca, MA. (2016). Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants. Front Neuroscience, 10: 153.
• Sanchez-Monge, M. (2016). The journey of LSD from the counterculture to the treatment of psychiatric pathologies. Medical Journal, Madrid. Retrieved September 11, 2018. Available in https://www.diariomedico.com/especialidades/salud-mental/el-viaje-del-lsd-desde-la-contracultura-al-tratamiento-de-las-patologias-psiquiatricas.html.
• Wallach, JV. (2009). Endogenous hallucinogens as ligands of the trace amine receptors: a possible role in sensory perception. Med Hypotheses, 72(1): 91-94.