Drugs of Abuse Affecting 5-HT_2B Receptors
5-HT2B Receptors January 1, 2021 Dino Luethi, Matthias E. Liechti 3 citations
Stimulant and psychedelic drugs of abuse interact with monoaminergic systems, and the 5-HT_2B receptor is a relatively understudied target of serotonergic drugs. Activation of this receptor has been demonstrated for benzofuran-class stimulants and substituted amphetamines with a serotonergic profile, and may lead to cardiac valvulopathy. Many psychedelic drugs also activate the 5-HT_2B receptor, but the consequences remain unclear. Cardiac valvulopathy is likely not a concern with occasional psychedelic use, but may differ for microdosing regimens involving daily or multiple-times-weekly low doses.