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1,3-Butanediol, not to be confused with 1,4-butanediol (a GHB prodrug), is a depressant substance and a prodrug for the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). It occurs as a thick, colorless liquid or solid depending on storage temperature, and has a distinct bitter-sweet taste. It is used as a recreational intoxicant with effects comparable to alcohol, though much shorter in duration. The R enantiomer of 1,3-Butanediol is more active.
The toxicity of 1,3-Butanediol in animals models is lower than that of alcohol, potentially owing to the formation of a less toxic aldehyde following dehydrogenation by alcohol dehydrogenase.[1]
1,3-Butanediol is classified as a subclass of alcoholic compounds called diols. Diols are named for having two alcohol (OH-) substitutions in their structure. 1,3-Butanediol is comprised of a butane chain of four carbon groups with with alcohol substitutions at R1 and R3.1,3-Butanediol is named for these alcohol substitutions. These alcohol substitutions make 1,3-Butanediol a polar liquid, which explains its good solubility in water.[2]
Pharmacology
1,3-Butanediol is likely active in its own right, prior to metabolism to BHB, but direct binding to CNS receptors has not been confirmed. The inherent activity of 1,3-Butanediol is suggested by the differential effects of its metabolite, BHB, when administered on its own in humans.
1,3-Butanediol is metabolized to 3-hydroxybutyraldehyde, which is presumed to not have the same organ toxicity associated with acetaldehyde owing to the reduced toxicity of 1,3-Butanediol in animal models.[3]
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 PsychonautWikicontributors. 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 ☠.
Physical effects
Stimulation and Sedation - The initial peak effect of 1,3BDO may be sedating or stimulating to the user depending on the dose used. Lower doses tend to be more stimulating while higher doses are more likely to sedate. However, the after effects of 1,3BDO are often described as stimulating, potentially due to the metabolic generation of BHB.
Dizziness - This effect usually only occurs in those susceptible to it and passes soon after initial onset.
Dehydration - Users often report increased urination during the experience. The effects of dehydration are avoidable provided the user drinks enough water.
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a"a" is not a number. - b"b" is not a number. hours
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
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 PsychonautWikicontributors. 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 ☠.
Physical effects
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This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub.
As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.