5-MEO-DMT

5-MeO-DMT is a naturally occurring tryptamine found in plant species and the Sonoran Desert Toad (Incilius alvarius). Epidemiological and observational studies suggest that single exposures can produce rapid and sustained reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, with one longitudinal case study reporting clinically significant PTSD improvements lasting 12 months. Only one published clinical trial has demonstrated safety of vaporized dosing up to 18 mg in humans. Preclinical research in mice shows 5-MeO-DMT promotes dendritic spine density increases in the medial frontal cortex and modulates innate behaviors. A unique phenomenological feature includes 'reactivations'—sudden re-experiencing of drug effects—which may suggest recurrent epileptiform activity and distinguishes it from typical psychedelics. Evidence remains limited due to the near-total absence of controlled clinical trials, and most human data comes from naturalistic surveys and case studies.