Short answer: 5-MeO-DMT is a very potent, short-acting psychedelic found in the venom of the Sonoran Desert toad and some plants, and also made synthetically. It is Schedule I. Inhaled, it produces an overwhelming experience within seconds, and it can be dangerous with MAO inhibitors.
Key takeaways
- What it is: 5-MeO-DMT is a short-acting psychedelic tryptamine and a Schedule I controlled substance in the US.
- Medical use: None approved (in clinical trials for depression).
- Timing: effects start in seconds (inhaled) and last 15 to 60 minutes.
- Most dangerous mix: MAO inhibitors and ayahuasca, which can cause serotonin toxicity, seizures, death.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Low.
- Legal route: none. Schedule I substances cannot be prescribed.
What is 5-MeO-DMT?
5-MeO-DMT gained popularity through retreats offering toad venom ceremonies. Demand has threatened wild toad populations, and synthetic 5-MeO-DMT is chemically identical.
Effects begin within seconds: a sense of ego dissolution, loss of self and surroundings, overwhelming emotion, and unity. Visual hallucinations are typically less prominent than with DMT. People may move, vocalize, or vomit without awareness.
Quick facts
| Fact | 5-MeO-DMT |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine |
| Sources | Venom of the Sonoran Desert (Colorado River) toad; some plants; synthetic |
| Drug class | Psychedelic tryptamine; 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A agonist |
| US legal status | Schedule I (since 2011) |
| How it is used | Vaporized or smoked |
| Onset | Seconds |
| Duration | 15 to 60 minutes |
How long does 5-MeO-DMT last?
- Starts working: Seconds (inhaled)
- Effects last: 15 to 60 minutes
When inhaled, about 15 to 60 minutes.
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of 5-MeO-DMT?
Loss of awareness: people can fall, choke on vomit, or stop protecting their airway. A trained, sober sitter is essential.
MAO inhibitors: combined with harmala alkaloids (as in ayahuasca) or MAOI antidepressants, 5-MeO-DMT has caused deaths from serotonin toxicity.
Toad venom: raw venom also contains bufotenine and other toxins that affect the heart.
Warning: Never combine 5-MeO-DMT with ayahuasca, harmala alkaloids, or MAO inhibitor antidepressants. The combination can be fatal.
What should you never mix with 5-MeO-DMT?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors and ayahuasca | Serotonin toxicity, seizures, death | Dangerous |
| SSRIs, SNRIs, lithium | Serotonin syndrome; seizures with lithium | Dangerous |
| Stimulants | Heart strain | High risk |
| Alcohol and sedatives | Vomiting and choking | High risk |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a 5-MeO-DMT overdose, and what should you do?
Serious toxicity causes seizures, very high temperature, abnormal heart rhythms, and loss of airway protection, especially with MAO inhibitors.
If someone is having a dangerous reaction
- Call 911 for a seizure, chest pain, a very high temperature, trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, or if the person may harm themselves or others.
- Move them to a quiet, safe place away from roads, water, heights, and crowds. Stay with them and speak calmly.
- Do not leave the person alone and do not give them other drugs or alcohol to calm them down.
- If they become unresponsive, place them on their side and give naloxone in case opioids are involved.
Is 5-MeO-DMT addictive?
5-MeO-DMT is not considered physically addictive and does not cause a withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance builds quickly with repeated use.
- Hours to daysAfterglow or come-downTiredness, emotional sensitivity, or low mood can follow.
- Days to weeksIntegrationSome people have lingering anxiety or distressing memories that benefit from support.
- Rarely, monthsPersisting effectsA small number of people have lasting perception changes (HPPD) or mental health problems.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full 5-MeO-DMT withdrawal guide.
Is 5-MeO-DMT legal?
5-MeO-DMT was placed in Schedule I in 2011. Possessing, making, or selling it, including toad venom, is a federal crime.
- Possession: under federal law, a first conviction for possessing any controlled substance without a valid prescription can bring up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000.
- Toad protection: collecting Sonoran Desert toads is restricted in some states, including California.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Class A |
| Canada | Controlled |
| International | Not listed in the UN conventions; controlled nationally in many countries |
Frequently asked questions about 5-MeO-DMT
What is toad medicine?
A name for 5-MeO-DMT from the venom of the Sonoran Desert toad, usually smoked at retreats.
Is 5-MeO-DMT the same as DMT?
No. They are related tryptamines, but 5-MeO-DMT is more potent and its effects are less visual and more dissociative.
How long does 5-MeO-DMT last?
When inhaled, about 15 to 60 minutes.
Is 5-MeO-DMT legal?
No. It is Schedule I in the US.
Can you combine 5-MeO-DMT with ayahuasca?
No. The combination has caused deaths.
Sources
- Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs, National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Controlled Substance Schedules, DEA Diversion Control Division.
- 21 U.S.C. 844, Penalties for simple possession, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School.
- National Helpline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses 5-MeO-DMT profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
