Adrenochrome
Basics
DESCRIPTION #
When considering adrenochrome, it's helpful to remember that "adrenochrome" refers to two distinct things: 1) a metabolite of endogenous epinephrine occurring spontaneously in the body, 2) a byproduct of metabolized pharmaceutical epinephrine. Endogenous adrenochrome has been widely researched for its possible role in schizophrenia. It is described as a hallucinogen or psychotomimetic and a cholinesterase inhibitor. Cholinesterase is one of many important enzymes needed for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Interest in adrenochrome as a deliberately administered psychoactive is largely a persisting myth popularized by Hunter S. Thompson's writing. The oral ingestion of a vial by the main character of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is not substantiated by published research or reports, which usually refer to the endogenous metabolite.
A derivative of adrenochrome, adrenochrome monosemicarbazone (or carbazochrome salicylate) is marketed in some countries for the prevention of certain types of bleeding, both IM and in tablets.
Interest in adrenochrome as a deliberately administered psychoactive is largely a persisting myth popularized by Hunter S. Thompson's writing. The oral ingestion of a vial by the main character of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is not substantiated by published research or reports, which usually refer to the endogenous metabolite.
A derivative of adrenochrome, adrenochrome monosemicarbazone (or carbazochrome salicylate) is marketed in some countries for the prevention of certain types of bleeding, both IM and in tablets.
Dose #
Dose Summary Needed.
Price #
Price Summary Needed.
Chemistry #
Adrenochrome is an o-quinone.
Pharmacology #
Pharmacology Summary Needed.
Production #
Production Summary Needed.
History #
Adrenochrome's history is intimately tied to its identity as a metabolite of epinephrine. In Canada, it is rumored that during World War II, supplies of fresh adrenaline sometimes ran short. In emergencies, when some patients had to be given adrenaline from old stock -- adrenaline that had oxidized and turned slightly pink -- they experienced temporary hallucinations. This effect is substantiated today by product inserts in injectable epinephrine products which warn, "Do not use if it is pink, brown or contains precipitate. Epinephrine is sensitive to light and air, and is unstable in 5% dextrose." [Epinephrine is indicated in the emergency treatment of acute allergic reactions to various allergens as well as idiopathic or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.]
Terminology / Slang #
The Substance:
Adrenochrome; Pink Adrenaline.
The Experience:
No common terms known.
EFFECTS #
The effects of exogenous adrenochrome have not been thoroughly documented, it is reputed to cause disorientation and hallucinations.
Adrenochrome monosemicarbazone, a pharmaceutical derivative of adrenochrome, was described in Adam Gottlieb's 1973 book Legal Highs, as "Physical (sic) stimulating, feeling of well-being, slight reduction of thought processes."
Adrenochrome monosemicarbazone, a pharmaceutical derivative of adrenochrome, was described in Adam Gottlieb's 1973 book Legal Highs, as "Physical (sic) stimulating, feeling of well-being, slight reduction of thought processes."
PROBLEMS #
Problems Summary Needed.
CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid Basics pages are summaries of data gathered from site visitors, government documents, books, websites, and other resources. We do our best to keep this information correct and up-to-date, but the field is complex and constantly changing. Information should always be verified through multiple sources.