2C-D is a psychedelic drug and a member of the 2C family that is occasionally classified as a nootropic. It is also sometimes used as an entheogen, or a substance used to induce spiritual experiences in religious ceremonies.
The correct chemical name of this substance is 2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenethylamine. This compound was first synthesized back in 1970 by a team from the Texas Research Institute of Mental Sciences.
The first person to really research or investigate the use of 2C-D in humans was a man named Alexander Shulgin. His book actually covers research into a number of different substances within the same family as 2C-D. Unfortunately, outside of this publication the additional research is limited.



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2C-D Effects:
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This supplement is most often taken orally, although it is also possible to be inhaled through the nose (insufflation). When inhaled, nasal and sinus irritation are common effects.
Due to the lack of further research, the exact mechanisms of action are still not clearly understood.
However, since it is considered to be a psychedelic compound which is derived from phenythylamine (a phenyl ring joined to an amino acid group via and ethyl side chain), it is believed to exert effects through the modulation of a number of neurotransmitter systems.
2C-D Benefits:
The benefits of 2C-D consist almost entirely of either psychedelic or nootropic usages. These effects were reported in Mr. Shulgin’s findings, as having serious nootropic potential.
In other words, administration of this supplement helped to improve memory, expanded learning capacity, improve the speed of memory recall, and also helped with attention switching in order to improve focus and concentration.
In a number of cases it also leads to increased mental clarity and overall cognitive enhancement. These are all definitely what can be considered as cognitive enhancing or ‘smart drug’ benefits though the supplement was not developed for this purpose.
The other main benefits of 2C-D are helping to induce pleasurable feelings which are typically associated with the use of psychedelics.
These include having mental and physical stimulation, even the possibility of a level of euphoria. Many other users have also reported feelings of empathy, enhanced tactile sensation, brightened colors and improved visual perception (along with enhanced sensory perceptions in general).
With moderate doses, you are likely to see increased sociability, introspection, and philosophical insights. Some people feel a sense of giddiness along with enhanced spontaneity.
There may also be a mild elevation in heart rate and either an increase or decrease in sexual arousal, depending on how the supplement effects each individual.

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2C-D Dosage:
The dosage to be used really is dependent entirely upon why you are drawn to 2C-D. For those solely interested in nootropic or cognitive enhancing effects, it is best to use small doses.
According to Shulgin’s research, this would mean between 10 and 15 mg. Shulgin’s book states that the 10 mg level turned out to be great for instigating typical ‘smart pill’ effects and 20 mg seemed to him to be ‘just right’ as having a stimulant effect.
The mid-1980’s also saw some additional research into the dosages and effects of 2C-D on learning and cognition. Most of these test subjects were graduate students voluntarily taking the supplement. In the end, it appears that Mr. Shulgin’s research was confirmed, with the best nootropic effects occurring somewhere in the range of 5-15 mg per dose.
Sadly, there is just not enough evidence to determine whether this is the type of supplement that can be taken every day. It is also interesting to note that the legal status of 2C-D is currently unclear. Although it is technically a stimulant, it is also certainly not in the same classification as drugs like amphetamines.
2C-D Side Effects:
As with most stimulants, the likelihood of negative side effects increases with higher doses. This could lead to headaches, feeling distracted, gastrointestinal issues (if consumed shortly after a meal), and dizziness. Other users may see anxiety, uncomfortable mental and physical stimulation, nasal discomfort and pain (if inhaled through the nose).
Some of the more serious potential side effects include motor impairment, sweating or chills, paranoia, and even severe mental confusion. Ultimately, this is a drug with very little research history so there is inherent risk if you decide to use it. In any event, you should not be taking 2C-D unless you are under the supervision of a medical professional.
2C-D Review:
For those interested in trying 2C-D, it is important that you exercise extreme caution. Please keep in mind that this is a serious stimulant and psychedelic substance. If used at all, not more than 10 mg should be taken and not more than once a day. This is certainly also not a supplement to take every day.
2C-D could possibly be used in other nootropic stacks. It has been compared to tofu thanks to its ability to absorb whatever other ingredients it is mixed with. In other words, it might be helpful in terms of making other supplements even more effective.
Once again, in this respect a little definitely goes a long way; when stacked, be sure not to use more than 5 or 10 mg.
- Ho BT, Huang JT. Effects of mescaline and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenethylamine on sleeping time in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1970
- Eshleman AJ, Forster MJ, Wolfrum KM, Johnson RA, Janowsky A, Gatch MB. Behavioral and neurochemical pharmacology of six psychoactive substituted phenethylamines: mouse locomotion, rat drug discrimination and in vitro receptor and transporter binding and function. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2014
- Kerrigan S, Mott A, Jatzlau B, Ortiz F, Perrella L, Martin S, Bryand K. Designer psychostimulants in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Forensic Sci. 2014
- Theobald DS, Maurer HH. Studies on the metabolism and toxicological detection of the designer drug 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methyl-beta- phenethylamine (2C-D) in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques. J Mass Spectrom. 2006
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment