Administration of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in psychedelic therapeutics and research and the study of endogenous DMT
Psychopharmacology – January 22, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
DMT's effectiveness as a therapeutic agent can significantly vary based on its route and formulation. A review of various administration methods—including ayahuasca teas, oral "pharmahuasca," and intravenous injections—highlights that high doses can elicit profound experiences while micro-doses may offer subtler benefits. Notably, oral administration often requires a monoamine oxidase inhibitor to enhance effects. Additionally, findings from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest endogenous DMT might play a crucial role in normal brain function, opening avenues for innovative treatments in medicine.
Abstract
As with all drugs, the route, form, and/or dose of a substance administered or applied can play a defining role in its overall pharmacology and use as a therapeutic. This review will focus on these factors as they relate to the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). It will examine the positive and negative aspects of different formulations and routes of administration of DMT and the observed effects from such administrations in the form of ayahuasca teas; oral "pharmahuasca"; injections by intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes; inhalation, insufflation; and other routes; and high-dose, low-dose, and "micro-dose" effects. The review will consider possible oral route of administration alternatives that would not require concomitant use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The review will then address the current research findings for DMT from in vivo and in vitro studies as well as the possibility that these findings may be revealing the role of endogenous DMT in normal brain function.