NBOMes are drugs that can change the way you see, hear, taste, smell or feel things. They can make you feel intense wellbeing or panic.
There are many types of NBOMe. For example, 25I-NBOMe.
NBOMes can come as a:
- small piece of paper with pictures on it (tab) - people put the tab under the tongue or on the inside cheek
- powder
- different colour pills
- liquid - but this is less common
NBOMes were made to mimic the effects of other psychedelic drugs, such as LSD. But some NBOMes can be stronger in low doses and sold as other drugs. This increases the risk of drug emergencies.
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 NBOMes
Other names include: 25I, 25I-NBOMe, 2C-NBOMe, Bom-25, n-bomb, N-methoxybenzyl, smiles, smiley
Effects of NBOMes
Different NBOMes have different effects.
The effects of individual NBOMes can also 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
The effects can start after 15 minutes but sometimes it can take up to 90 minutes. The effects can last 6 to 10 hours.
There are not as many studies on NBOMes as other drugs. We are still learning about the effects of NBOMes.
The effects of NBOMes are sometimes called a trip.
How you may feel or behave
You may feel:
- intense wellbeing or happiness (euphoria)
- relaxed
- more aware of colours and sounds
- panicked, confused or anxious
- paranoid
- connected with other people (empathetic)
- unaware of time, it could speed up or slow down
- agitated or restless
Effects on your brain and body
NBOMes can cause:
- increased heart rate and blood pressure
- hallucinations - you may see, hear or feel things that are not there
- problems with thinking and memory
- increased sweating and body temperature
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting (getting sick)
- seizures (fits)
NBOMes can make you less aware of your surroundings. If you use NBOMes in an unsafe place, you may be more likely to have accidents or injuries.
NBOMes and mental health
NBOMes can cause mental health difficulties or make existing difficulties worse.
Negative effects include:
- frightening or challenging hallucinations
- intense anxiety and confusion
- fear and paranoia
- thoughts of suicide
This can happen if you are going through a tough time or feel low. But the risk is higher if you or other people in your family have mental health difficulties.
It may help to talk to someone if you have a bad experience with NBOMes.
NBOMes and dependency
Signs of dependency can include:
- cravings for a drug
- withdrawal symptoms
- continuing to use a drug even when it causes you harm
NBOMes does not usually cause physical dependency.
But some people may develop a tolerance if they use NBOMes often. This is when you need to take more of the drug to get the same effects.
How long do NBOMes stay in your system?
It can be hard to know how long NBOMes stay in your system.
There are tests to detect NBOMes. 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 NBOMes
It’s always safest not to take drugs. There are different types of NBOMes. Some can be risky and very strong.
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use NBOMes. 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.
For example, if you have:
- a history of psychosis
- heart problems
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.
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
For example, a quarter of a pill or cut a tab in half diagonally.
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Only use 1 substance at a time.
Using NBOMes with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects. Mixing drugs is always more risky.
Stay in a safe place away from risks such as heights, roads or water.
This is to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. NBOMes 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 NBOMes with alcohol or other drugs
Using NBOMes with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects.
There is a higher risk of negative effects if you mix NBOMes with drugs that have similar effects.
For example:
- an overwhelming or challenging experience - if you take them with drugs that cause hallucinations
- heart problems - if you take them with drugs such as cocaine
- serotonin syndrome - if you take them with MDMA or antidepressants
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has taken NBOMes and has:
- thoughts of suicide
- a very fast or irregular heartbeat
- high temperature or hot skin
- a seizure (fit)
- severe distress, confusion or panic - they cannot calm down and may be a danger to themselves or others
Stay with the person 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 NBOMe use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can get support. This can be when NBOMe 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