2M2B

Fatal overdose may occur when GABAergic substances are combined with other depressants such as opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, gabapentinoids, thienodiazepines or alcohol.

It is strongly discouraged to combine these substances, particularly in common to heavy doses.

Summary sheet: 2-methyl-2-butanol

2-methyl-2-butanol (also known as tert-amyl alcohol or 2m2b) is a tertiary alcohol with depressant, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effects. Historically, it has been used in anesthesia as a component of avertin fluid mixed with tribromoethanol and water. It has a strong solvent smell reminiscent of gasoline, but with little flavor. 2m2b's simple structure and intoxicating effects have led to its use as a recreational drug.

Fusel alcohols including 2m2b are a grain fermentation by-product and therefore present in many alcoholic beverages. Trace levels of 2m2b have also been detected in various food substances, including fried bacon and cassava, rooibos tea, and fruits (such as apple and pineapple).

Chemistry

2-methyl-2-butanol is also known as tert-amyl-alcohol, 2m2b, or amylene hydrate. 2-methyl-2-butanol is an alcohol with the formula C₅H₁₁OH. 2-methyl-2-butanol is comprised of butane, an alkyl chain of four carbons. This chain is substituted at R₂ with a methyl group CH₃- and an alcohol group OH-. It is synthesized by the reaction of 2-methyl-2-butene with water in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Pharmacology

2-methyl-2-butanol inhibits binding to a proconvulsant site on the GABA receptor which causes negatively charged chloride ions to enter neurons and increase the amount of excitation necessary to cause the neurons to fire. As it is a tertiary alcohol, it cannot be metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase into aldehydes (which cause the hangover associated with consuming large amounts of ethanol). This makes 2m2b significantly safer than primary alcohols. However, a consequence of this is that 2-methyl-2-butanol has an extended duration of action with effects which last up to 12 hours after its consumption.

Subjective effects

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

In comparison to other depressants of a similar nature, 2m2b is comparatively closer to alcohol than GHB in terms of its subjective effects and is also considerably more sedating than alcohol but less sedating than GHB.

Physical effects

• Sedation - In comparison to alcohol, 2-methyl-2-butanol is significantly more sedating. On low to moderate doses, one may feel a lack of energy, resulting in extreme difficulty in performing basic tasks. This effect can last up to 24 hours afterwards.
• Pain relief
• Muscle relaxation
• Motor control loss
• Dizziness
• Respiratory depression

Cognitive effects

• Disinhibition
• Thought deceleration
• Information processing suppression
• Euphoria
• Anxiety suppression
• Amnesia

Experience reports

There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: 2-methyl-2-butanol

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2m2b use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown although the lowest recorded fatal dose in a human is 30mL. However, 2m2b is expected to be less toxic than ethanol as it cannot be metabolized into aldehydes in the same way. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried 2m2b within the community suggest that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this drug at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed).

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with any other GABA receptor agonist, repeated use and increasing tolerance will eventually result in a withdrawal syndrome upon abrupt discontinuation resembling alcohol, barbiturate, or benzodiazepine withdrawal, up to and including delirium tremens ("the shakes"). The chronic use of this compound can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of 2m2b develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 2m2b presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all GABAgenic depressants]], meaning that after the consumption of 2m2b all depressantss will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Although many drugs are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be safe in low doses of each but still increase the potential risk of death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

• Depressants (1,4-Butanediol, alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, GHB/GBL, methaqualone, opioids) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedation and amnesia caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
• Dissociatives - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
• Stimulants - It is dangerous to combine 2m2b, a depressant, with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants decrease the sedative effect of 2m2b, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of 2m2b will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as other effects. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of 2m2b per hour.

Legal issues

This legality section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.

• United Kingdom - It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.

See also

• Responsible use
• Depressant
• Alcohol
• GHB
• GBL

External links

• 2-methyl-2-butanol (Wikipedia)
• 2-methyl-2-butanol experiences (Erowid)