2C-E

2C-E (2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylphenethylamine) is a synthetic psychedelic of the phenethylamine class, part of the "2C" family of compounds first synthesized and described by the chemist Alexander Shulgin, who documented it in his 1991 book PiHKAL. It is structurally related to mescaline and to its better-known cousin 2C-B, differing by the chemical group at one position on the molecule. It is usually taken orally as a powder or in capsules. Shulgin counted 2C-E among his "magical half-dozen" most significant phenethylamines, and it has since circulated as a recreational "new psychoactive substance," at times found in tablets sold as ecstasy.

Like other classic serotonergic psychedelics, 2C-E produces its effects mainly by acting as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain — the same receptor target that underlies the effects of 2C-B, LSD, and psilocybin. It is a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors, and it also weakly inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, though this is minor compared with its receptor activity. Among the 2C compounds it is considered one of the more potent, active at relatively low doses.

2C-E is reported to produce visual changes and distortions, colour enhancement, intensified emotions, introspection, and a fully immersive psychedelic experience at higher doses, often combined with stimulation. It is also known for a heavy "body load" — physical discomfort, nausea, and unease — that many users find more pronounced than with some other 2C compounds. It is longer-lasting than 2C-B, with effects reported over roughly 8 to 12 hours, and it is notably sensitive to dose, with a relatively small margin between a moderate and an overwhelming experience.

2C-E's strong dose-sensitivity is its central hazard: because a small increase in dose can sharply intensify effects, accidental overdose is a real risk, and at least two deaths have been attributed to 2C-E overdose. Adverse effects can include a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, severe agitation, confusion, delirium, and frightening or overwhelming psychological experiences. The drug is broken down by the body's monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, so combining it with an MAO inhibitor (found in some antidepressants and in ayahuasca) can dangerously amplify its effects and cause serious toxicity. Because it is sometimes sold misrepresented as ecstasy or another substance, people may take it without knowing what it is or how potent it is.