A powerful psychedelic substance known as DMT is gaining attention for its potential to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression, even as health experts warn of its significant risks and illegal status in Israel.
Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, is a short-acting hallucinogen found in certain plants and possibly in trace amounts in the human body. When inhaled, it takes effect within seconds, often inducing intense visual hallucinations, feelings of ego dissolution, and, for some users, encounters with unknown “entities.” The experience typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes but is frequently described as feeling much longer.
DMT is best known as the active ingredient in ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew used in Indigenous shamanic ceremonies. In recent years, interest in its therapeutic potential has expanded globally, including in clinical settings.
Pharmacologically, DMT acts primarily on 5HT2-A serotonin receptors, which influence sensory, emotional and cognitive processes. It triggers rapid changes in brain activity, especially in the visual cortex, creating what researchers describe as an altered state of consciousness.
Recent studies suggest the compound may promote neuroplasticity, or the formation of new neural connections. That finding has prompted research into its possible uses in mental health care, including for depression that does not respond to standard treatments, PTSD, and recovery from brain injuries.
One of the most closely watched trials, known as BPL-003, uses a synthetic version of 5-MeO-DMT delivered via nasal spray. In a Phase IIa trial, a single 10 mg dose produced a rapid antidepressant response in 55% of participants within a day. By day 29, 55% were in remission; by day 85, 45% remained in remission. A larger Phase IIb trial involving 196 participants is currently under way, with results expected in the coming months.
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Despite the promise, health experts emphasize the drug's risks. DMT can raise heart rate and blood pressure and cause nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and anxiety. It may worsen conditions such as tinnitus or dissociation. Individuals with a history of psychosis or complex psychiatric conditions are at heightened risk of adverse effects.
Mixing DMT with medications such as SSRIs or MAOIs can be especially dangerous due to the potential for serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition.
DMT is classified as an illegal drug in Israel. Possession or use can result in criminal charges.
Experts stress the importance of “set and setting” — the user’s mental state and the environment in which the drug is taken — which significantly influence the experience. Those choosing to experiment with DMT, despite its legal status, are advised to take precautions: verifying the substance's source, using a calm setting with a sober, supportive companion, avoiding alcohol and psychiatric medications, and starting with low doses.
DMT is not a recreational substance, say researchers and clinicians. It is considered a powerful tool that can lead to deep psychological insights but also significant emotional upheaval. Its growing use highlights the fine line between healing and harm — a line that demands preparation, support and scientific scrutiny.
Dr. Roy Zucker is a specialist in internal medicine and infectious diseases and serves as chair of the Israeli LGBTQ+ Medical Association. He has focused in recent years on harm reduction strategies related to substance use.
This article is intended to provide information about DMT and the risks involved in its use. It does not encourage or promote illegal activity. DMT remains a prohibited substance in Israel and can be dangerous or life-threatening.