4-HO-EPT

4-HO-EPT (also known as 4-Hydroxy-N,N-ethylpropyltryptamine) is a lesser-known psychedelic substance of the tryptamine class that produces psychedelic effects when administered. It is structurally related to psilocin, the active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms, and is considered part of the serotonergic psychedelics family.

Chemistry

4-HO-EPT is a synthetic tryptamine. Tryptamines share a core structure comprised of a bicyclic indole heterocycle attached at R3 to an amino group via an ethyl side chain. 4-HO-EPT is substituted at R4 of its indole heterocycle with a hydroxyl (HO) functional group. It also contains an ethyl chain bound to the terminal amine RN of its tryptamine backbone (EPT).

Pharmacology

The pharmacology of 4-HO-EPT is not well-studied. However, like other psychedelics in the tryptamine family, it is thought to produce its effects primarily by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain. It is specifically thought to have a high affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor, which is associated with cognitive functions such as perception, mood, and cognition.

Effects

The effects of 4-HO-EPT can vary greatly depending on the dose, set and setting, and individual physiology. However, common effects reported by users include visual hallucinations, enhanced introspection, euphoria, and altered perception of time. As with all psychedelics, there is also the potential for negative effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and challenging psychological experiences.

Legal Status

The legal status of 4-HO-EPT varies by country. In the United States, it is not specifically listed as a controlled substance, but it could potentially be considered an analogue of a Schedule I substance under the Federal Analogue Act.

See Also

• Tryptamine
• Psychedelic drug
• Serotonergic psychedelic