What is DMT
N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a powerful hallucinogen found in several plants but can also be created in a lab. It's often seen as the foundation for many serotonergic psychedelics, including popular substances like LSD and psilocybin, as its chemical structure is shared with them [1, 2].
DMT is a key component of ayahuasca, a traditional plant brew used for spiritual and healing purposes for centuries [2].
DMT produces effects similar to other psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms, and it's sometimes called Dimitri or Fantasia. In the United States, it's classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it's illegal to produce, buy, possess, or distribute [2, 3].
Is DMT released when you die?
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When we're under extreme stress, like in near-death situations, the body releases a rush of endorphins and other chemicals. These are thought to play a role in brain activity and hallucinatory experiences people sometimes report. However, these effects aren't directly linked to DMT release[4].
In one scientific study comparing psychedelic trips and near-death experiences, both were found to shift people's views on death and dying. Still, the study didn’t find any clear connection between DMT and the experiences people report in near-death situations[5].
Effects of DMT
DMT causes a range of mental and physical effects. While some people seek out these experiences, others may find them unsettling or harmful.
Common side effects: A common effect users report is euphoria, often along with a sensation of floating and vivid hallucinations. However, along with these highs, DMT also distorts your sense of time and leads to feelings of depersonalisation, leaving you feeling disoriented and disconnected from reality [1].
Physical effects: DMT can trigger a range of physical effects, some of which can be risky, especially for people with heart conditions or high blood pressure. Common effects include a rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure, which can be dangerous. Other physical symptoms may include visual disturbances, dizziness, and dilated pupils. Some users might also feel agitated, paranoid, or experience rapid eye movements [6, 7].
In addition to these, DMT can cause chest pain or a tight sensation in the chest, which can be alarming and potentially harmful. Some users also report nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea after using the substance [1].
In some cases, using DMT can lead to more serious side effects, such as seizures, loss of muscle coordination, and confusion. There have also been extreme instances where it’s been linked to respiratory arrest or even coma [1].
Hallucinations are common, with users often reporting visions of elf-like creatures or alien beings. Along with these vivid experiences, people might feel a distorted sense of time, body, or self, along with anxiety, paranoia, or unease [7].
In rare cases, DMT use can trigger serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, especially when combined with antidepressants [1].
Use of DMT in medical fields
N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, is a psychoactive substance that's been catching attention lately, both in therapy and for recreational use. Researchers are exploring its potential to help with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction [3, 3].
What makes DMT fascinating is how it interacts with the brain. It latches onto different receptors—serotonin, glutamate, sigma-1, and trace amine-associated receptors—and influences things like BDNF (a protein linked to brain health) and the dopamine system. These brain interactions explain its intense effects, from altered states of consciousness to its possible therapeutic benefits [8].
In anaesthesia, DMT sparks interest in treating chronic pain, easing end-of-life care, and even helping in emergencies. One reason? It might protect the brain during low-oxygen situations, like ischemia [9].
There’s also some buzz around DMT and multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies show mixed results—while it might reduce hospital stays for some, it doesn’t seem to cut down on trips to the doctor. The jury’s still out on how much of a game-changer it could be [10].
In psychotherapy, DMT is being explored for its ability to spark deep, psychospiritual insights. These experiences could potentially help treat certain mental health conditions [11].
That said, there’s still a lot to learn. Scientists are investigating how it works, its possible benefits, and the risks involved. And let’s be clear—self-medicating with something like DMT can be dangerous, so caution is key [3].