Some science behind the scenes
2C family
2C (2C-x) is a general name for the family of psychedelic phenethylamines containing methoxy groups on the 2 and 5 positions of a benzene ring. The family includes the chemical 2CB, which has a separate entry on the site.
Most of the currently known 2C compounds were first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in the 1970s and 1980s and published in his book PiHKAL (Phenethylamines i Have Known And Loved). Shulgin also invented the term 2C, being an acronym for the 2 carbon atoms between the benzene ring and the amino group
5HT2A agonists
Eg 2C-E, 2C-I, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-7, 2C-T-21 and 2C-B-FLY
5HT2C agonists
E.g. 2C-E, 2C-I, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-7, 2C-T-21
J Med Toxicol. 2013 Jun;9(2):172-8. doi: 10.1007/s13181-013-0295-x. 2C or not 2C: phenethylamine designer drug review. Dean BV, Stellpflug SJ, Burnett AM, Engebretsen KM. - 1Clinical Toxicology Service and Department of Emergency Medicine, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, MN 55101, USA.
New groups of synthetic "designer drugs" have increased in popularity over the past several years. These products mimic the euphoric effects of other well-known illicit drugs but are advertised as "legal" highs and are sold over the internet, at raves and night clubs, and in head shops.
The 2C series drugs are ring-substituted phenethylamines that belong to a group of designer agents similar in structure to 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy).
Understanding the pharmacology and toxicology of these agents is essential in order to provide the best medical care for these patients.
This review focuses on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical effects, and treatment of 2C drug intoxication based on available published literature. Multiple names under which 2C drugs are sold were identified and tabulated.
Common features identified in patients intoxicated with 2Cs included: hallucinations,
- agitation,
- aggression,
- violence,
- dysphoria,
- hypertension,
- tachycardia,
- seizures, and
- hyperthermia.
Patients may exhibit sympathomimetic symptoms or symptoms consistent with serotonin toxicity, but an excited delirium presentation seems to be consistent amongst deaths attributed to 2C drugs; at least five deaths have been reported in the literature in patients intoxicated with 2C drugs.
2C drugs are a group of designer intoxicants, many of which are marketed as legal, but may carry risks that consumers are unaware of. These drugs may be characterized by either serotonergic toxicity or a sympathomimetic toxidrome, but a presentation consistent with excited delirium is consistent amongst the reported 2C-related deaths.
Treatment of 2C intoxication is primarily supportive, but immediate action is required in the context of excited delirium, hyperthermia, and seizure activity.
PMID: 23494844
Observations
For iPad/iPhone users: tap letter twice to get list of items.