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5-MeO-DMT Information
A Peer-Reviewed Bibliography.

5-MeO-DMT
Scientific Research.

Browse our bibliography of 5-MeO-DMT scientific research. Our collection features peer-reviewed literature from scientists across the field in a year-by-year format, including citations. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, or simply curious, start with the newest studies and work back to the foundational pharmacology of the 1970s.

Published in Cell Reports · Neuropharmacology · Psychopharmacology · Frontiers in Psychiatry · Journal of Neurochemistry · CNS Drugs · Neuroscience of Consciousness

View the Bibliography →
47Works cited
1978–2026Years covered
41DOI-linked sources
Nov 2026Last reviewed

Reviewed by The FIVE Institute · Last reviewed

Disclaimer: 5-MeO-DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and is regulated in many jurisdictions. This page is educational and does not condone or encourage its use.

Peer-Reviewed Works Cited, Year by Year

The full list of peer-reviewed studies and field documents referenced across our site, organized chronologically, newest first, with a plain-language key finding for each study.

FIVE Collaboration marks research conducted in collaboration with The FIVE Institute. Team author marks independent studies authored by members of our faculty and advisory team; these were not conducted by The FIVE Institute.

2026 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Ortiz Bernal, A. M., Raison, C. L., Vargas Prieto, A. M., & Davis, A. K. (2026). Fabricated ancestrality: The Sonoran Desert toad, psychedelic globalization, and the ecological politics of 5-MeO-DMT. Psychedelics, 3, 100012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyche.2026.100012

    Key finding: Examines claims of ancestral use of the Sonoran Desert toad and the ecological politics of toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT as the compound spreads globally.

    Source Conservation

  2. Seynaeve, M., Dunbar, F., et al. (2026). Intranasal 5-MeO-DMT concomitant with SSRI for treatment-resistant depression: A proof-of-concept trial. CNS Drugs, 40(5), 725–728. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-025-01250-z

    Key finding: A phase 2a open-label trial found a single intranasal dose of 5-MeO-DMT was well tolerated alongside stable SSRI use, with promising early reductions in depressive symptoms.

    Source Mental healthSafety

  3. Cavallaro, N., Rai, P., et al. (2026). Beyond the toad's kiss: Mapping acute 5-MeO-DMT effects on brain connectivity across sex and dose using awake rat neuroimaging. Neuropharmacology, 291, 110886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2026.110886

    Key finding: Awake rat neuroimaging maps dose- and sex-dependent effects of 5-MeO-DMT on functional brain connectivity across cortical and subcortical regions.

    Source ConsciousnessPharmacology

2025 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Blackburne, G., McAlpine, R., et al. (2025). Complex slow waves in the human brain under 5-MeO-DMT. Cell Reports, 44(8), 116040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116040

    Key finding: EEG recordings from 29 healthy adults show that high-dose inhaled 5-MeO-DMT reorganizes cortical slow-wave activity into a more stable, low-dimensional state.

    Source ConsciousnessFIVE Collaboration

  2. Timmermann, C., Sanders, J., et al. (2025). Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness. Neuroscience of Consciousness, 2025(1), niaf007. https://doi.org/10.1093/nc/niaf007

    Key finding: Naturalistic EEG and phenomenological interviews reveal 5-MeO-DMT can induce a state of “deconstructed consciousness,” marked by reduced alpha and beta brain activity.

    Source Consciousness

  3. Plummer, Z., et al. (2025). Examining the potential of psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT as therapeutics for traumatic brain injury. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 141, 111448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2025.111448

    Key finding: A review of preclinical and clinical evidence on how psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may reduce traumatic brain injury impairments through neuroplasticity, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective pathways.

    Source NeuroplasticityMental health

  4. Koch, C. (2025). The void and the brain. Cell Reports, 44(8), 116072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116072

    Key finding: A commentary on Blackburne et al.’s EEG findings, noting profoundly slowed brain activity under high-dose 5-MeO-DMT without the alpha-power reduction typical of other psychedelics.

    Source Consciousness

2024 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Turkia, M. (2024). 5-MeO-DMT in the complete resolution of the consequences of chronic, severe sexual abuse in early childhood, a retrospective case study [Preprint]. PhilArchive. https://philarchive.org/rec/TURMIT-2

    Source TraumaMental health

  2. Kwaśny, A., et al. (2024). Short-term safety and tolerability profile of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in human subjects: A systematic review of clinical trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1477996. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1477996

    Key finding: A PRISMA systematic review of three clinical trials (78 participants) found a favorable short-term safety and tolerability profile for 5-MeO-DMT, with no serious adverse events or dropouts reported.

    Source Safety

2023 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Villa, R. A. (2023). Toad in the road: Biocultural history and conservation challenges of the Sonoran Desert Toad. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 7(S1), 68–79. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2023.00269

    Key finding: Reviews the biocultural history of the Sonoran Desert toad and the conservation challenges it faces as demand for its secretion grows.

    Source Conservation

  2. Davis, A. K., et al. (2023). Open-label study of consecutive ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted-therapy for trauma-exposed male Special Operations Forces Veterans: Prospective data from a clinical program in Mexico. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 49(5). https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2023.2220874

    Key finding: Prospective program-evaluation data from an ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT clinical treatment program tracked symptom severity and functioning in trauma-exposed Special Operations Forces veterans at baseline and one, three, and six months after treatment.

    Source TraumaMental health

  3. Dourron, H. M., et al. (2023). 5-MeO-DMT: An atypical psychedelic with unique pharmacology, phenomenology & risk? Psychopharmacology, 242(7), 1457–1479. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-023-06517-1

    Key finding: A review comparing the acute and post-acute effects of 5-MeO-DMT, including reactivations, to temporal-lobe epileptiform activity, and calling for further evaluation of its distinct 5-HT1A-mediated mechanisms and risks.

    Source PharmacologySafety

  4. Jefferson, S. J., et al. (2023). 5-MeO-DMT modifies innate behaviors and promotes structural neural plasticity in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology, 48(9), 1257–1266. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-023-01572-w

    Key finding: In mice, 5-MeO-DMT produced a shorter head-twitch response than psilocybin and long-lasting increases in dendritic spine density in the medial frontal cortex, driven by a higher rate of spine formation.

    Source Neuroplasticity

  5. Ragnhildstveit, A., et al. (2023). 5-MeO-DMT for post-traumatic stress disorder: A real-world longitudinal case study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1271152. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1271152

    Key finding: The first longitudinal case study of 5-MeO-DMT for chronic refractory PTSD reports clinically significant, next-day improvements sustained at 12 months, alongside acute nausea, overwhelming effects, and late-onset night terrors.

    Source Trauma

  6. Reckweg, J. T., et al. (2023). A phase 1/2 trial to assess safety and efficacy of a vaporized 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine formulation (GH001) in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1133414. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1133414

    Key finding: A phase 1/2 trial investigating the safety and potential antidepressant effects of vaporized 5-MeO-DMT (GH001) in adult patients with treatment-resistant depression.

    Source Mental healthSafety

2022 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Basedow, L. (2022). The synthetic toad, how to investigate 5-MeO-DMT in the lab: An interview with Johannes Reckweg, M.Sc. MIND Foundation Blog. https://www.mind-foundation.org/blog/5-meo-dmt-synthetic

    Key finding: An interview with Johannes Reckweg on conducting one of the first laboratory studies to administer a synthetic 5-MeO-DMT formulation (GH001) to human participants.

    Source Pharmacology

  2. Ermakova, A. O., Dunbar, F., Rucker, J., & Johnson, M. W. (2022). A narrative synthesis of research with 5-MeO-DMT. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(3), 273–294. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211050543

    Key finding: A narrative review of 5-MeO-DMT pharmacology, chemistry, metabolism, epidemiology, and reported effects, concluding that its short duration and high rates of ego dissolution warrant further clinical exploration.

    Source PharmacologyMental health

  3. MacLeod, I. (2022). BPL-5MEO, first doses in humans. NHS Health Research Authority research summary, London - Brent Research Ethics Committee. https://www.hra.nhs.uk/planning-and-improving-research/application-summaries/research-summaries/bpl-5meo-first-doses-in-humans/

    Key finding: A research ethics summary of a first-in-human, placebo-controlled study giving single intranasal doses of 5-MeO-DMT to up to 56 healthy volunteers to assess side effects, blood levels, and psychedelic and mood effects.

    Source Mental healthSafety

  4. Reckweg, J. T., et al. (2022). The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). Journal of Neurochemistry, 162(1), 128–146. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15587

    Key finding: A review of 5-MeO-DMT’s receptor pharmacology, subjective effects, and early clinical safety data, arguing that its rapid onset and short duration suit individual dose-finding strategies for indications such as depression.

    Source PharmacologyMental health

2021 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Gorman, I., Nielson, E. M., Molinar, A., Cassidy, K., & Sabbagh, J. (2021). Psychedelic harm reduction and integration: A transtheoretical model for clinical practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 645246. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645246

    Source Mental healthSafety

  2. Kargbo, R. B. (2021). 5-MeO-DMT: Potential use of psychedelic-induced experiences in the treatment of psychological disorders. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 12(11), 1646–1648. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00546

    Key finding: A patent highlight describing the use of 5-MeO-DMT or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt in treating mental disorders including major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and substance abuse.

    Source Mental health

  3. Siegel, A. N., Meshkat, S., Benitah, K., Lipsitz, O., Gill, H., Lui, L. M. W., Teopiz, K. M., McIntyre, R. S., & Rosenblat, J. D. (2021). Registered clinical studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 139, 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.019

    Key finding: A review of clinical trial registries identifying 70 registered studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders.

    Source Mental health

2020 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Lancelotta, R. L., & Davis, A. K. (2020). Use of benefit enhancement strategies among 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) users: Associations with mystical, challenging, and enduring effects. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 52(3), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2020.1737763

    Key finding: Survey data from 515 5-MeO-DMT users show benefit enhancement strategies are common and associated with more intense mystical-type effects, greater enduring personal meaning, and in some cases less challenging experiences.

    Source ConsciousnessSafety

  2. Sherwood, A., Claveau, R., Lancelotta, R., Kaylo, K. W., & Lenoch, K. (2020). Synthesis and characterization of 5-MeO-DMT succinate for clinical use. ACS Omega, 5(49), 32067–32075. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c05099

    Key finding: A multigram-scale synthesis produced 136 g of crystalline 5-MeO-DMT succinate at 99.86% purity, with validated analytical methods and solid-state characterization to support clinical development.

    Source Pharmacology

  3. Uthaug, M. V., Lancelotta, R., Ortiz Bernal, A. M., Davis, A. K., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2020). A comparison of reactivation experiences following vaporization and intramuscular injection (IM) of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 4(2), 104–113. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2020.00123

    Source SafetyConsciousness

  4. Winne, J., Boerner, B. C., Malfatti, T., Brisa, E., Doerl, J., Nogueira, I., Leão, K. E., & Leão, R. N. (2020). Anxiety-like behavior induced by salicylate depends on age and can be prevented by a single dose of 5-MeO-DMT. Experimental Neurology, 326, 113175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113175

    Key finding: In an animal model, salicylate-induced (tinnitus-related) anxiety depended on age and hearing status, and a single dose of 5-MeO-DMT prevented the anxiety-like behavior.

    Source Mental health

2019 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Davis, A. K., So, S., Lancelotta, R., Barsuglia, J. P., & Griffiths, R. R. (2019). 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 45(2), 161–169. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2018.1545024

    Key finding: Among 362 survey respondents who used 5-MeO-DMT in a structured group setting, about 80% of those with diagnosed depression or anxiety reported improvement, associated with more intense mystical experiences.

    Source Mental healthTeam author: Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, FIVE advisor

  2. Miller, M. J., Albarracin-Jordan, J., Moore, C., & Capriles, J. M. (2019). Chemical evidence for the use of multiple psychotropic plants in a 1,000-year-old ritual bundle from South America. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(23), 11207–11212. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1902174116

    Source History

  3. Uthaug, M. V., Lancelotta, R., van Oorsouw, K., et al. (2019). A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, mindfulness-related capacities, and a decrement of psychopathological symptoms. Psychopharmacology, 236(9), 2653–2666. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-019-05236-w

    Key finding: After a single inhalation of vaporized toad secretion, satisfaction with life, convergent thinking, and mindfulness increased while depression, anxiety, and stress decreased, with effects reaching significance at four weeks.

    Source Mental healthConsciousness

2018 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Riga, M. S., Lladó-Pelfort, L., Artigas, F., & Celada, P. (2018). The serotonin hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT alters cortico-thalamic activity in freely moving mice: Regionally-selective involvement of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. Neuropharmacology, 142, 219–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.11.049

    Key finding: Recording brain activity in freely moving mice, 5-MeO-DMT altered cortical oscillations more than thalamic ones and increased beta-band coherence between regions; blocking 5-HT1A receptors prevented most of these effects.

    Source Pharmacology

  2. Acosta-Urquidi, J. (2018). EEG studies of the acute effects of 5-MeO-DMT. World Bufo Alvarius Congress, Mexico City, July 27–29, 2018.

    Source Consciousness

  3. Barsuglia, J., Davis, A. K., Palmer, R., Lancelotta, R., Windham-Herman, A. M., Peterson, K., Polanco, M., Grant, R. M., & Griffiths, R. R. (2018). Intensity of mystical experiences occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and comparison with a prior psilocybin study. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 2459. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02459

    Key finding: Vaporized 5-MeO-DMT occasioned a complete mystical experience in 75% of 20 retreat participants, at an intensity comparable to high-dose psilocybin in a laboratory setting.

    Source ConsciousnessTeam author: Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, FIVE advisor

  4. Barsuglia, J. P., Polanco, M., Palmer, R., Malcolm, B. J., Kelmendi, B., & Calvey, T. (2018). A case report SPECT study and theoretical rationale for the sequential administration of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Progress in Brain Research, 242, 121–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.08.002

    Key finding: A case report of sequential ibogaine and vaporized 5-MeO-DMT treatment for alcohol use disorder in a military veteran, with post-treatment SPECT imaging showing increased perfusion in regions associated with alcohol use and short-term cessation of drinking.

    Source Mental healthTeam authors: Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, FIVE advisor · Dr. Benjamin Malcolm, FIVE advisor

  5. Cox, K. E., Moshman, S. A., Barsuglia, J. P., Lancelotta, R., & Davis, A. K. (2018). Subjective improvements in substance use problems following 5-MeO-DMT use in an international sample. Poster session, Annual Poster Symposium of the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Baltimore, MD.

    Key finding: Survey respondents who reported improvement in substance use problems after 5-MeO-DMT also reported significantly more intense mystical experiences and stronger beliefs about the spiritual and personal significance of their first session.

    Source Mental healthTeam author: Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, FIVE advisor

  6. Davis, A. K., Barsuglia, J. P., Lancelotta, R., Grant, R. M., & Renn, E. (2018). The epidemiology of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: Benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(7), 779–792. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881118769063

    Key finding: In an epidemiological survey, most respondents used 5-MeO-DMT infrequently for spiritual exploration, reported moderate-to-strong mystical experiences with few problems related to use, and a majority with psychiatric diagnoses reported symptom improvements.

    Source SafetyMental healthTeam author: Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, FIVE advisor

  7. Lima da Cruz, R. V., Moulin, T. C., Petiz, L. L., & Leão, R. N. (2018). A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT stimulates cell proliferation, neuronal survivability, morphological and functional changes in adult mice ventral dentate gyrus. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 11, 312. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2018.00312

    Key finding: A single intracerebroventricular dose of 5-MeO-DMT increased cell proliferation and the number of newborn granule cells with more complex dendritic morphology in the adult mouse dentate gyrus.

    Source Neuroplasticity

2017 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Dakic, V., Minardi Nascimento, J., Costa Sartore, R., Maciel, R. de M., de Araujo, D. B., Ribeiro, S., Martins-de-Souza, D., & Rehen, S. K. (2017). Short term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-MeO-DMT. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 12863. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12779-5

    Key finding: Shotgun proteomics of human cerebral organoids treated with 5-MeO-DMT found 934 differentially expressed proteins, reinforcing anti-inflammatory actions and revealing effects on proteins linked to long-term potentiation and dendritic spine formation.

    Source Neuroplasticity

2014 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Szabo, A., Kovacs, A., Frecska, E., & Rajnavolgyi, E. (2014). Psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine modulate innate and adaptive inflammatory responses through the sigma-1 receptor of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. PLoS ONE, 9(8), e106533. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0106533

    Key finding: DMT and 5-MeO-DMT inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine production and T-cell activation in human dendritic cells through the sigma-1 receptor, pointing to a role for dimethyltryptamines in regulating inflammation.

    Source Pharmacology

2012 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Halberstadt, A. L., Nichols, D. E., & Geyer, M. A. (2012). Behavioral effects of α,α,β,β-tetradeutero-5-MeO-DMT in rats: Comparison with 5-MeO-DMT administered in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Psychopharmacology, 221(4), 709–718. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-011-2616-6

    Key finding: Deuterated 5-MeO-DMT reproduced the hyperactivity seen when 5-MeO-DMT is combined with an MAO inhibitor in rats, showing the effect stems from slowed metabolism and prolonged serotonin receptor occupation.

    Source Pharmacology

2011 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. van den Buuse, M., Ruimschotel, E., Martin, S., Risbrough, V. B., & Halberstadt, A. L. (2011). Enhanced effects of amphetamine but reduced effects of the hallucinogen, 5-MeO-DMT, on locomotor activity in 5-HT1A receptor knockout mice: Implications for schizophrenia. Neuropharmacology, 61(1–2), 209–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.04.001

    Key finding: 5-HT1A receptor knockout mice showed enhanced locomotor responses to amphetamine but markedly reduced responses to 5-MeO-DMT, suggesting 5-HT1A receptors play a role in hallucinogen effects and dopaminergic modulation relevant to schizophrenia.

    Source Pharmacology

2010 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Wojick, K. B., Langan, J. N., & Mitchell, M. A. (2010). Evaluation of MS-222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) and propofol as anesthetic agents in Sonoran Desert toads (Bufo alvarius). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 20(2–3), 79–83. https://doi.org/10.5818/1529-9651-20.2.79

    Key finding: In nine juvenile Sonoran Desert toads, an MS-222 immersion bath reliably produced surgical anesthesia with faster onset and recovery than intracoelomic propofol.

    Source Conservation

2007 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Nagai, F., Nonaka, R., Satoh, K., & Kamimura, H. (2007). The effects of non-medically used psychoactive drugs on monoamine neurotransmission in rat brain. European Journal of Pharmacology, 559(2–3), 132–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.11.075

    Source Pharmacology

2006 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Krebs-Thomson, K., Ruiz, E. M., Masten, V., Buell, M., & Geyer, M. A. (2006). The roles of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors in the effects of 5-MeO-DMT on locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition in rats. Psychopharmacology, 189(3), 319–329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-006-0566-1

    Key finding: In rats, 5-MeO-DMT reduced locomotor and investigatory behavior and disrupted prepulse inhibition, effects blocked by the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100635 but largely not by 5-HT2 antagonists.

    Source Pharmacology

1999 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Pochettino, M. L., Cortella, A. R., & Ruiz, M. (1999). Hallucinogenic snuff from Northwestern Argentina: Microscopical identification of Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Fabaceae) in powdered archaeological material. Economic Botany, 53(2), 127–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02866491

    Source History

1994 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Weil, A. T., & Davis, W. (1994). Bufo alvarius: A potent hallucinogen of animal origin. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 41(1–2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(94)90051-5

    Source HistoryPharmacology

1984 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Most, A. (1984). Bufo alvarius: The psychedelic toad of the Sonoran Desert. Venom Press.

    Source HistoryConservation

1978 5-MeO-DMT Studies

  1. Stoff, D. M., Gorelick, D. A., Bozewicz, T., Bridger, W. H., Gillin, J. C., & Wyatt, R. J. (1978). The indole hallucinogens, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), have different effects from mescaline on rat shuttlebox avoidance. Neuropharmacology, 17(12), 1035–1040. https://doi.org/10.1016/0028-3908(78)90030-8

    Source Pharmacology
Questions & Answers

What the Research Says

Short, sourced answers drawn from the studies in this bibliography.

Is 5-MeO-DMT being studied for depression?
Yes, and it is now in late-stage development. A phase 1/2 trial has investigated vaporized 5-MeO-DMT (GH001) in treatment-resistant depression (Reckweg et al., 2023), and a 2026 phase 2a trial found a single intranasal dose of BPL-003 was well tolerated alongside stable SSRI use, with promising early reductions in depressive symptoms (Seynaeve et al., 2026). BPL-003 has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and is entering phase 3 trials for treatment-resistant depression, and in July 2026 Eli Lilly agreed to acquire its developer, AtaiBeckley (Becker’s Behavioral Health, 2026). In survey research, about 80% of respondents with diagnosed depression or anxiety reported improvement (Davis et al., 2019).
What does the research say about 5-MeO-DMT safety?
A 2024 systematic review of three clinical trials (78 participants) found a favorable short-term safety and tolerability profile, with no serious adverse events reported (Kwaśny et al., 2024). As clinical studies are observed under strict conditions and patient intake, researchers also call for closer study of its distinct risks, including psychological destabilization and reactivations (Dourron et al., 2023). See our Harm Reduction Hub and Risks, Cautions & Contraindications for practical guidance.
How does 5-MeO-DMT affect the brain?
EEG research conducted in collaboration with The FIVE Institute shows high-dose 5-MeO-DMT reorganizes cortical slow-wave activity into a more stable, low-dimensional state (Blackburne et al., 2025), and other EEG research shows it can induce a state researchers describe as deconstructed consciousness (Timmermann et al., 2025). In animal studies, it increased dendritic spine density (Jefferson et al., 2023) and the growth of new neurons (Lima da Cruz et al., 2018).
Is 5-MeO-DMT being studied for PTSD and trauma?
Yes, and clinical trials are now being established. The first longitudinal case study of 5-MeO-DMT for chronic refractory PTSD reported improvements sustained at 12 months (Ragnhildstveit et al., 2023), and a clinical program combining ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT has tracked outcomes in trauma-exposed Special Operations Forces veterans (Davis et al., 2023). In 2026, Utah passed House Bill 390, authorizing a state-funded clinical trial at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Mental Health Institute that includes 5-MeO-DMT, alongside MDMA and psilocybin, for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD, under IRB, DEA, and FDA oversight (University of Utah Health, 2026). The FIVE Institute is supporting this clinical trial.
How is 5-MeO-DMT different from other psychedelics?
Its effects are mediated strongly through the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor (Krebs-Thomson et al., 2006), and its rapid onset and short duration set it apart from longer-acting psychedelics (Reckweg et al., 2022; Ermakova et al., 2022). 5-MeO-DMT is known as an atypical psychedelic, putting it in an entire class of its own and requiring different protocols than other psychedelics to avoid adverse experiences.
How is this bibliography maintained?
Our research team reviews the bibliography regularly and adds new peer-reviewed 5-MeO-DMT studies as they are published. To suggest a study, contact the research team. Learn about our own studies on the Research Program page.

Bring a Citation Question or Study to Us

If you know of a peer-reviewed 5-MeO-DMT study we have missed, or need help locating a source cited on this site, send it to the research team.
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