(RS)-1-Phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexan-1-one
Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
DOC (1-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-amine) is a synthetic hallucinogen also known as 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine. It is commonly found in the form of impregnated blotting paper as well as a powder, liquid and tablets.
WHO review history
DOC has not been reviewed previously. A critical review was proposed on the basis of information brought to WHO’s attention that DOC is manufactured clandestinely, poses a risk to public health and society and has no therapeutic use recognized by any Party.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
DOC is a hallucinogen with actions on the central nervous system mediated predominantly through receptors of the neurotransmitter serotonin. DOC is an analogue of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine (DOB) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4- methylamphetamine (DOM), hallucinogenic amphetamine derivatives that are listed in Schedule I of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. Its actions on the nervous system and effects in animals and humans are comparable to those of the hallucinogenic amphetamines DOB, DOM and 2,5-dimethoxy- 4-iodoamphetamine (DOI). DOC also has actions and effects similar to those of the hallucinogens lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. The effects in humans included tonic–clonic seizures, agitation, hyperthermia, aggression and visual hallucinations.
DOC has a long duration of action and the hallucinatory effects have been reported to last 12–24 h.
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies of the dependence potential of DOC in humans or animals have been reported. Like other serotonergic hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin, however, use of DOC is unlikely to result in dependence.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
In animals, DOC had rewarding effects and depressed locomotor activity. In drug discrimination assays in animals predictive of subjective effects in humans, DOC had effects similar to those of the hallucinogens LSD and N,N- dimethyltryptamine (DMT), but much less similar to those of the stimulants MDMA and methamphetamine.
No studies of the likelihood of abuse of DOC in humans were identified. A number of countries in different regions have reported seizure and collection of specimens of DOC.
DOC is sold on the Internet, commonly misrepresented as LSD. DOC has been detected in cases of intoxication, often with other substances. At least one death has been attributed to use of DOC.
Therapeutic usefulness
DOC is not known to have any therapeutic use.
Recommendation
DOC (1-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-amine)) is a hallucinogenic amphetamine derivative with effects similar to those of other hallucinogenic amphetamines such as DOM and DOB, which are controlled in Schedule I of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Its mode of action and effects indicate the likelihood of abuse. DOC has been associated with a number of non- fatal cases of intoxication and at least one fatal case. It has no therapeutic use, and its use constitutes an especially serious risk to public health.
■ Recommendation: The Committee recommended that DOC (1-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-amine)) be added to Schedule I of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.