http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/bromo_dmp/summary.htm
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine
(2C-B, NEXUS, 2's, Two's)
Introduction
4-bromo-2,5 dimethoxyphenethylamine (4-bromo-2,5- DMPEA) is an illicit, synthetic Schedule I hallucinogen. The structure of the compound is similar to a number of other clandestinely manufactured controlled substances. The compound is commonly referred to as "bromo", 2C-B, Nexus, 2's or TWO’s. Clandestine manufacturing imposes additional risks to the user due to impurities, instability, and uncertain dosage forms. In late 2000 and 200, there has been a resurgence of 2C-B among the club and "circuit" party scene.
Licit Uses
There is no accepted medical use in treatment for 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA. The psychedelics have enjoyed periodic popularity in the United States. 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA probably originated in Australia but soon showed up in seizures in Texas and California in the early 1970s. 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA was manufactured in South Africa under the name "Nexus", and imported domestically in late 1993. Distributed initially as a non-controlled substance of natural origin, it was promoted as a "New Age" aphrodisiac, sleep aid, and stimulant. It was purported to contain "brominated cathinine", a fictional derivative of the khat plant.
Chemistry/Pharmacology
4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine or 2-(4-bromo, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-aminoethane (4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA) is closely related to the phenylisopropylamine hallucinogen 1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB) and, as such, is also referred to as alpha-desmethyl DOB. 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA is a psychoactive substance which produces in human subjects, euphoria and perceptual enhancement (i.e., increased receptiveness of visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile sensations). Threshold effects are noted at approximately 4 mg of an oral dose; a full intense intoxicated state is induced by 8 to 10 mg. The onset of subjective changes occurs in 20 to 30 minutes with peak effects achieved 1.5 to 2 hours after taking the drug. The effects can last up to 6-8 hours. The low dose effects of 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA are separate and distinct from those typically referred to as "psychotomimetic" or "hallucinogenic". Rather than showing signs of excitation, the subject becomes passive and relaxed and is aware of an integration of sensory perception with emotional states. There is considerable euphoria with an increased body awareness. Higher doses (20 - 40mg) are likely to produce typical LSD-like hallucinations. Doses greater than 50 mg have produced extremely fearful hallucinations and morbid delusions.
Like DOM and DOB, 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA displays high affinity for central serotonin receptors
4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA has been sold in "blotter" or "stamp" delivery systems. It also has been sold as tablets (NexusJ). 2C-B has been sold as a powder which can be snorted. It has been misrepresented as MDMA ("Ecstasy") and saturated in sugar cubes as LSD.
The drug does not react with the radio-immuno assay detection system for amphetamine analogues (Roche Diagnostics). In the Marquis, the reagent reacts to give an orange color which slowly turns to brown (Delliou, 1983)
Illicit Uses
2C-B is generally taken orally but can be snorted. There is no therapeutic use for 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA. All confiscated samples are clandestinely manufactured or from other countries. The drug has been misrepresented by distributors and sold as other clandestinely manufactured hallucinogenics, including DOB, LSD, and MDMA.
User Population
The availability of 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA while not as widespread as LSD, is used by the same population as those using "Ecstasy", high school & college students and other young adults. It is considered a "club drug" similar to GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), ketamine, and MDMA, which are distributed in "rave clubs" or upscale urban nightclubs.
Illicit Distribution
Prior to its control, DEA seized both clandestine laboratories and illicit "repackaging shops". As the name implies, these shops would repackage and reformulate the doses of the tablets prior to illicit sales. Since scheduled in 1995 as a Schedule I hallucinogen, the illicit distribution of the drug has been somewhat curtailed and limited to sporadic bursts of popularity. On the street the drug is called by a variety of names including "bromo", A2C-B", and "nexus". The variety of dosage forms, names, and packaging requires chemical analysis for identification.
Control Status
4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (60 FR 28718).
Comments and additional information are welcomed by the Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, FAX 202-307-8570 or telephone 202-307-7183.
August, 2001
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine
(2C-B, NEXUS, 2's, Two's)
Introduction
4-bromo-2,5 dimethoxyphenethylamine (4-bromo-2,5- DMPEA) is an illicit, synthetic Schedule I hallucinogen. The structure of the compound is similar to a number of other clandestinely manufactured controlled substances. The compound is commonly referred to as "bromo", 2C-B, Nexus, 2's or TWO’s. Clandestine manufacturing imposes additional risks to the user due to impurities, instability, and uncertain dosage forms. In late 2000 and 200, there has been a resurgence of 2C-B among the club and "circuit" party scene.
Licit Uses
There is no accepted medical use in treatment for 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA. The psychedelics have enjoyed periodic popularity in the United States. 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA probably originated in Australia but soon showed up in seizures in Texas and California in the early 1970s. 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA was manufactured in South Africa under the name "Nexus", and imported domestically in late 1993. Distributed initially as a non-controlled substance of natural origin, it was promoted as a "New Age" aphrodisiac, sleep aid, and stimulant. It was purported to contain "brominated cathinine", a fictional derivative of the khat plant.
Chemistry/Pharmacology
4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine or 2-(4-bromo, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-aminoethane (4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA) is closely related to the phenylisopropylamine hallucinogen 1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB) and, as such, is also referred to as alpha-desmethyl DOB. 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA is a psychoactive substance which produces in human subjects, euphoria and perceptual enhancement (i.e., increased receptiveness of visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile sensations). Threshold effects are noted at approximately 4 mg of an oral dose; a full intense intoxicated state is induced by 8 to 10 mg. The onset of subjective changes occurs in 20 to 30 minutes with peak effects achieved 1.5 to 2 hours after taking the drug. The effects can last up to 6-8 hours. The low dose effects of 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA are separate and distinct from those typically referred to as "psychotomimetic" or "hallucinogenic". Rather than showing signs of excitation, the subject becomes passive and relaxed and is aware of an integration of sensory perception with emotional states. There is considerable euphoria with an increased body awareness. Higher doses (20 - 40mg) are likely to produce typical LSD-like hallucinations. Doses greater than 50 mg have produced extremely fearful hallucinations and morbid delusions.
Like DOM and DOB, 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA displays high affinity for central serotonin receptors
4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA has been sold in "blotter" or "stamp" delivery systems. It also has been sold as tablets (NexusJ). 2C-B has been sold as a powder which can be snorted. It has been misrepresented as MDMA ("Ecstasy") and saturated in sugar cubes as LSD.
The drug does not react with the radio-immuno assay detection system for amphetamine analogues (Roche Diagnostics). In the Marquis, the reagent reacts to give an orange color which slowly turns to brown (Delliou, 1983)
Illicit Uses
2C-B is generally taken orally but can be snorted. There is no therapeutic use for 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA. All confiscated samples are clandestinely manufactured or from other countries. The drug has been misrepresented by distributors and sold as other clandestinely manufactured hallucinogenics, including DOB, LSD, and MDMA.
User Population
The availability of 4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA while not as widespread as LSD, is used by the same population as those using "Ecstasy", high school & college students and other young adults. It is considered a "club drug" similar to GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), ketamine, and MDMA, which are distributed in "rave clubs" or upscale urban nightclubs.
Illicit Distribution
Prior to its control, DEA seized both clandestine laboratories and illicit "repackaging shops". As the name implies, these shops would repackage and reformulate the doses of the tablets prior to illicit sales. Since scheduled in 1995 as a Schedule I hallucinogen, the illicit distribution of the drug has been somewhat curtailed and limited to sporadic bursts of popularity. On the street the drug is called by a variety of names including "bromo", A2C-B", and "nexus". The variety of dosage forms, names, and packaging requires chemical analysis for identification.
Control Status
4-bromo-2,5-DMPEA is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (60 FR 28718).
Comments and additional information are welcomed by the Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, FAX 202-307-8570 or telephone 202-307-7183.
August, 2001
