Subjective, physiological and EEG effects of extended DMT administration
File(s)
Author(s)
Luan, Lisa Xiaolu
Type
Thesis
Abstract
DMT is a serotonergic psychedelic that induces rapid and unique alterations in consciousness. While traditionally short-acting, its unique properties make it suitable for continuous intravenous (IV) administration. This thesis investigated the feasibility, tolerability and neurophenomenological effects of continuous IV DMT infusions in healthy volunteers.
The first study phase established dose-response characteristics, evaluating tolerability and effectiveness across infusion rates. It was hypothesised that continuous IV DMT would be well-tolerated and maintain a steady-state psychedelic experience. A second phase examined subjective and electroencephalography (EEG) effects of a moderately high dose of continuous IV DMT. It was hypothesised that extended DMT would induce decreases in alpha power and increases in Lempel-Ziv (LZ) complexity, correlating with subjective intensity.
Continuous IV DMT was psychologically and physiologically well-tolerated. Infusions extended peak psychoactive effects, maintaining stable intensity throughout. Dose-dependent effects were seen for subjective intensity and plasma DMT concentrations, while heart rate increases normalised within 10-12 minutes of infusion. The extended DMT experience featured strong visual effects, immersion, and encounters with ‘entities’ (i.e., seemingly sentient beings). Experiences generally followed three stages: ‘struggles’, resolution, and positive experiences (‘fruits’).
EEG analyses showed widespread alpha (8-13 Hz) power reductions, correlating with a range of subjective effects. Occipital theta (4–8 Hz) power decreased during transition periods, while occipital low beta (13–20 Hz) power reductions persisted for up to 12 minutes, accompanied by increased low beta power in sensorimotor areas. Widespread high beta (20-30 Hz) reductions correlated with intensity of the experience. Increases in LZ complexity lasted up to 12 minutes post-infusion, correlating with a range of subjective effects. ‘Entity’ experiences displayed increased alpha and beta power and decreased LZ complexity compared to ‘No entity’ experiences. Together, these results suggest continuous IV DMT is an effective method for extending the DMT experience, with promising applications for research and clinical use.
The first study phase established dose-response characteristics, evaluating tolerability and effectiveness across infusion rates. It was hypothesised that continuous IV DMT would be well-tolerated and maintain a steady-state psychedelic experience. A second phase examined subjective and electroencephalography (EEG) effects of a moderately high dose of continuous IV DMT. It was hypothesised that extended DMT would induce decreases in alpha power and increases in Lempel-Ziv (LZ) complexity, correlating with subjective intensity.
Continuous IV DMT was psychologically and physiologically well-tolerated. Infusions extended peak psychoactive effects, maintaining stable intensity throughout. Dose-dependent effects were seen for subjective intensity and plasma DMT concentrations, while heart rate increases normalised within 10-12 minutes of infusion. The extended DMT experience featured strong visual effects, immersion, and encounters with ‘entities’ (i.e., seemingly sentient beings). Experiences generally followed three stages: ‘struggles’, resolution, and positive experiences (‘fruits’).
EEG analyses showed widespread alpha (8-13 Hz) power reductions, correlating with a range of subjective effects. Occipital theta (4–8 Hz) power decreased during transition periods, while occipital low beta (13–20 Hz) power reductions persisted for up to 12 minutes, accompanied by increased low beta power in sensorimotor areas. Widespread high beta (20-30 Hz) reductions correlated with intensity of the experience. Increases in LZ complexity lasted up to 12 minutes post-infusion, correlating with a range of subjective effects. ‘Entity’ experiences displayed increased alpha and beta power and decreased LZ complexity compared to ‘No entity’ experiences. Together, these results suggest continuous IV DMT is an effective method for extending the DMT experience, with promising applications for research and clinical use.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-09-30
Date Awarded
2025-11-01
Copyright Statement
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC)
License URL
Advisor
Timmermann, Chris
Carhart-Harris, Robin
Nutt, David
Publisher Department
Department of Brain Sciences
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)