spec sheet10 rows
5-APB (5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran) is a benzofuran entactogen closely related to MDA, producing empathogenic, stimulant, and mildly psychedelic effects. In vitro and in vivo studies show it acts as a substrate-type releaser at the dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters with nanomolar potency, a profile resembling MDA and MDMA but at least threefold more potent, and it additionally engages trace amine-associated receptor 1 and the 5-HT2A receptor. A notable pharmacological concern is its agonism at the 5-HT2B receptor, an action linked to heart-valve fibrosis with repeated exposure and distinct from MDMA. It is longer-lasting than MDMA, and multiple forensic case reports document fatal intoxications, sometimes at blood concentrations lower than previously assumed lethal, underscoring substantial toxicity.
- Empathy and emotional warmth
- Stimulation and energy
- Mild psychedelic tinge
- Mood elevation
- Triple monoamine releaser; potent 5-HT2B agonist
- Overheating (hyperthermia)
Mechanism
5-APB acts as a releasing agent and at the , , and transporters, raising all three monoamines to produce entactogenic and stimulant effects, with some direct serotonin-receptor agonism giving a light psychedelic edge. Importantly, it is a potent at the 5-HT2B receptor; sustained 5-HT2B activation is associated with fibrotic thickening of heart valves, the same mechanism that led older medications to be withdrawn.
receptor fingerprint
transporter (SERT)Releasing agent / reuptake inhibitor
5-HT2B receptorAgonist
()Releasing agent / reuptake inhibitor
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
5-APB shares MDMA's acute dangers; serotonin syndrome if mixed with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs, overheating, cardiovascular strain, and it is long-lasting, which tempts unsafe redosing. Its potent 5-HT2B agonism raises a specific concern about heart-valve damage with repeated use, which is a reason many consider it riskier than MDMA for regular use. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
The 5-HT2B agonism is the deciding fact; sustained activation of that receptor is the mechanism that thickened heart valves and got older medicines withdrawn, so repeated use carries a risk MDMA does not. Longer, stronger and easier to overshoot, with real hyperthermia risk.
Resources
No suppliers are provided for compounds like this. This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 2014first citedFatal intoxication with 3-methyl-N-methylcathinone (3-MMC) and 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-A…
- 2015most active year4 papers
- 2020most recentThe psychoactive aminoalkylbenzofuran derivatives, 5-APB and 6-APB, mimic the effects of 3,4-me…
- 1.Neurochemical binding profiles of novel indole and benzofuran MDMA analogues
- 2.Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology of new psychoactive substances (NPS): 2C-B, 4-fluoroamphetamine and benzofurans
- 3.The psychoactive aminoalkylbenzofuran derivatives, 5-APB and 6-APB, mimic the effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) on monoamine transmission in male rats.
- 4.Pharmacological profile of novel psychoactive benzofurans.
- 5.New Psychoactive Substances: Chemistry, Pharmacology, Metabolism, and Detectability of Amphetamine Derivatives With Modified Ring Systems.
- 6.Benzofuran analogues of amphetamine and methamphetamine: studies on the metabolism and toxicological analysis of 5-APB and 5-MAPB in urine and plasma using GC-MS and LC-(HR)-MS(n) techniques.
- 7.A fatal blood concentration of 5-APB.
- 8.Fatal intoxication with 3-methyl-N-methylcathinone (3-MMC) and 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB).
- 9.Acute 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB) intoxication and fatality: a case report with postmortem concentrations.
9 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Why is the 5-HT2B receptor a big deal?
Strong, repeated 5-HT2B activation is linked to fibrotic heart-valve damage, the same effect that got certain diet drugs pulled from the market.
How does 5-APB compare to MDMA?
It is entactogenic like MDMA but longer-lasting and with a mild psychedelic quality, and it carries the added 5-HT2B cardiac concern.
Is it safe to combine with antidepressants?
No. Like other serotonin releasers it can cause serotonin syndrome with MAOIs and other serotonergic drugs.
Adverse effects
- Overheating (hyperthermia)
Notes and cautions
- Long duration that tempts redosing
- Cardiovascular strain
- 5-HT2B-linked heart-valve concern with repeated use