2C are a group of drugs that can change the way you see, hear, taste, smell or feel things. They can also make you feel more alert or energetic.
2C-B is the most common drug in this group.
2C drugs are often swallowed and come as:
- pills in different colours and shapes
- a powder
- a small piece of paper with pictures on it - called a tab or blotter
- liquid, but this is rare
Drug category: psychedelic
Psychedelics can change the way you see, hear, taste, smell or feel things (tripping). They are also called hallucinogens.
Psychedelics can cause unexpected and challenging effects.
Other names for 2C drugs
Other names include: 2C-E, 2C-I, 2C-P, 2C-T-7, 7-up, CB, bromo, nexus
Effects of 2C drugs
The effects of 2C drugs can vary depending on:
- your size, weight and sex
- if you have any health conditions or mental health difficulties
- how you take the drug
- the strength of the drug
- how much you take
- if you take alcohol, medicines or other drugs at the same time
- where you take the drug and how you feel before you take it
- if you have taken the drug before and how often
If you take 2C-B as a pill, the effects may start after about 45 minutes to 90 minutes. The effects can last a number of hours.
The timing of effects can vary for 2C drugs. The effects of 2C drugs are sometimes called a trip.
How you may feel or behave
You may feel:
- more aware of colours, sounds and smells
- alert, energetic or confident
- confused, paranoid or anxious
- unaware of time, it could speed up or slow down
- intense wellbeing or happiness (euphoria)
- affectionate
Effects on your brain and body
2C drugs can cause:
- increased blood pressure and heart rate
- nausea and vomiting
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- chills
- increased sex drive
- hallucinations - you may see, hear and feel things that are not there
- nose pain and nosebleeds if you snort the drug
You may have a headache and problems sleeping after the other effects wear off.
2C drugs and mental health
2C drugs can cause mental health difficulties or make existing difficulties worse.
Negative effects include:
- frightening or challenging hallucinations
- intense anxiety and confusion
- fear and paranoia
This can happen if you are going through a tough time or feel low. But the risk is higher if you or someone in your family has mental health difficulties.
Leave at least 3 months between use to reduce the risk of negative effects on your mood.
It may help to talk to someone if you have a bad experience with 2C drugs.
2C drugs and dependency
Signs of dependency can include:
- cravings for a drug
- withdrawal symptoms
- continuing to use a drug even when it causes you harm
2C drugs do not usually cause physical dependency.
But some people may develop a tolerance if they use 2C drugs often. This is when you need to take more of the drug to get the same effects.
How long do 2C drugs stay in your system?
It can be hard to know how long 2C drugs stay in your system.
There are tests to detect 2C drugs. But different types of tests have different detection times.
Things that affect how long a drug stays in your system
The time it takes for a drug to leave your system depends on many things.
For example:
- how much you took
- how often you take the drug
- how strong the drug was
- your age, sex and metabolism
- your general health
Reducing risks from 2C drugs
It’s always safest not to take drugs. There are many types of 2C drugs. They have different strengths and may affect you in a different way each time.
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use 2C drugs. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of a drug emergency.
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Try to find out the type of 2C.
Different types of 2C have different strengths and effects.
Be with people you trust and look out for each other - do not use alone.
Pick a meeting point and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Start with a small amount and wait 2 hours before you take more.
This is to reduce the risk of an overdose or drug emergency.
The contents or strength of drugs can vary, even in the same batch.
If you start with a small amount, you can:
- see how you react
- stop if you get an effect you did not expect or do not want
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Stay in a safe place away from risks such as heights, roads or water.
This is to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. 2C drugs can affect your control of your body and make you less aware of your surroundings.
Try to be in a calm place.
Noisy or busy places can cause an overwhelming experience. For example, at a club or festival.
Plan a safe way to get home.
It is dangerous to drive if drugs are in your system. You could harm yourself or other people. A drug can still be in your system even if you do not feel the effects.
Keep track of what you use.
Leave as long as possible between use. Wait at least a few months to reduce the risk of problems with your mental health and wellbeing.
Know what to do in case of a challenging experience.
If you know what to do during a challenging experience, it could stop a situation getting worse and help you support someone.
But it is always safest to get medical advice if someone has overwhelming or unexpected effects.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Mixing 2C drugs with alcohol or other drugs
Using 2C drugs with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects.
For example, if you mix 2C drugs with other drugs that:
- speed up messages between the brain and body - such as cocaine
- cause hallucinations - such as LSD, ketamine or cannabis
This increases the risk of overdose or other drug emergencies.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has taken 2C drugs and has:
- a very fast or irregular heartbeat
- severe distress, confusion or panic - they cannot calm down and may be a danger to themselves or others
- a high temperature and cannot cool down
- thoughts of suicide
Stay with them until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about 2C use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can find support. This can be when 2C use affects your health, relationships, work or other areas of your life.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie