Empathogens
5-MAPB
Street names: 5-MAPB, MAPB, Benzofuran ecstasy
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Benzofuran empathogen — MDMA-like euphoria, empathy and stimulation; slightly more sedating and 'warmer' than MDMA for many users
- Longer duration than MDMA (6–8 hours)
- Shows up in EU pill/powder testing as a common MDMA substitute
⚠Key risks
- Serotonin load is real: combining with MAOIs, SSRIs/SNRIs, tramadol or other empathogens risks serotonin syndrome
- Hyperthermia and dehydration on the dancefloor — same kill pattern as MDMA
- Deaths have involved 5-MAPB mixed with other stimulants or at high doses; purity varies wildly
- Next-day crash: low mood, insomnia, brain-fog for 1–2 days
✚Overdose signs
- Very high temperature, rigid muscles, racing heart, confusion, seizures
- Serotonin syndrome signs: shivering, diarrhea, fever, twitching — emergency now; cool the person, call help
Category comparison — Empathogens
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-MAPB | Controlled analog in many places | Serotonin load is real: combining with MAOIs, SSRIs/SNRIs, tramadol or other empathogens risks serotonin syndrome; Hyperthermia and dehydration on the dancefloor — same kill pattern as MDMA | ~$20–60/g powder |
| MDMA | Schedule I | Overheating + dehydration (or fatal water intoxication); Serotonin depletion — multi-day comedown | ~$10–$40 per pill |
| Molly (MDMA powder) | Schedule I | 'Molly' is a marketing term, not a guarantee — half of seized 'Molly' contains other drugs; Overheating, serotonin syndrome with antidepressants | ~$30–$80 per gram |
| XTC Pills (ecstasy tablets) | Schedule I | High-dose pills (200–300+ mg) cause severe toxicity; PMA/PMMA masquerading as ecstasy has killed many users (slow onset → double-dosing) | ~$10–$40 per pill |
| 5-APB | Class B | Serotonin release + MAOI-like properties → serotonin syndrome risk; Long duration complicates dosing | ~$15–$40 per gram or ~$5–$15 per pellet |
| Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) | Unregulated supplement | SSRI-class activity — DANGEROUS with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome); No regulation of extracts | $15–$40 powder |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does 5-MAPB look like?
Off-white to tan powder, crystals and capsules; sold as 'MDMA' or 'molly' substitute
What are the signs of a 5-MAPB overdose?
Very high temperature, rigid muscles, racing heart, confusion, seizures; Serotonin syndrome signs: shivering, diarrhea, fever, twitching — emergency now; cool the person, call help Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Serotonin load is real: combining with MAOIs, SSRIs/SNRIs, tramadol or other empathogens risks serotonin syndrome Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.