NBOMe

NBOMe effects are similar to LSD. In small doses you can experience strong visual hallucinations whether eyes are open or closed, and feel euphoric, empathetic, altered consciousness, and love. These feelings can occur at the same time as dizziness, hot and/or cold flushes, increased perspiration, and numbness in the arms and legs. NBOMe has a quick onset with an initial rush and then strong psychedelic effects that typically last 4-8 hours. 

NBOMe should be avoided. It is very potent and a small amount can result in an overdose. It is important not to use alone and to have access to a phone.

Do not snort NBOMe, taking is this way has been associated with hospitalisations and death.

The deaths associated with NBOMe have mostly been accidental overdoses. This is because it is very hard to get an accurate dose. Any amount greater than 500 micrograms (half a milligram) is known to be dangerous. If you plan to use it then keep your doses small - no more than one tab or 200 micrograms of liquid. As a comparison, a typical line of cocaine is 100 milligrams, which is 200 times the 500 microgram amount. It is very easy for someone estimating NBOMe doses to get this wrong and take too much.

NBOMe can usually be distinguished from LSD by its bitter and metallic taste. Unlike LSD it numbs the gums and tongue.

Mixing drugs is always risky. NBOMe is a powerful psychedelic and not much is known about its interaction with other substances. It is strongly recommended to not mix NBOMe with other drugs. See our Drug interactions section for more about the effects of mixing NBOMe with other drugs.

Large doses of NBOMe may result in overdose. Overdose can be fatal.

Symptoms of overdose include: high blood pressure, heart palpitations or racing heartbeat, convulsions or seizures, psychosis, elevated body temperature (hyperthermia).

Call 111 if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms.

You may be experiencing substance use disorder if you are:

• using more NBOMe than you want to
• finding it hard to stop using
• missing school, work or family commitments
• always thinking about NBOMe

If you decide to cut back or stop after using NBOMe frequently, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your plan and ask them to look out for you and support you. Alternatively, call the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 for confidential, non-judgmental advice and referral to a local service provider.

Frequent use of NBOMe should be avoided. Ideally, you should wait two or three months before using NBOMe again to give your brain and body time to recover. 

NBOMe appears to have potentially serious side effects. It tightens blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, and there are reports of people losing their limbs because of reduced blood flow. Kidney failure, internal bleeding, seizures and severe vomiting are other issues linked with taking too much.

There have been no NBOMe-related deaths in New Zealand, but there have been a number of serious hospitalisations. There have been multiple deaths and hospitalisations overseas, including reported cases of hallucinogenic behaviour causing death.