NBOMe compounds, a new class of psychedelic drugs derived from the 2C family, are ultrapotent and highly selective agonists of serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, with over 1000-fold selectivity for 5-HT2A compared to 5-HT1A. Sold in various forms and administered via multiple routes, they have caused numerous clinical intoxications and fatalities since the early 2010s. Adverse effects include hallucinations, agitation, seizures, and sympathomimetic signs like mydriasis and tachycardia. This survey reviews their pharmacology, use patterns, metabolism, and analytical detection methods.
Depressive disorders are among the most common mental illnesses worldwide. Treatment resistance is increasing, and conventional antidepressants acting on monoamine transmission have a delayed onset. Recent research indicates that impaired neuronal plasticity may underlie depression, and restoring neuroplasticity can produce rapid antidepressant effects. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocks NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons, increasing glutamate release. This activates AMPA receptors, leading to BDNF synthesis and TrkB receptor stimulation, which rebuilds synapses and improves connectivity.