It seems that the summer season lends itself to repeating the same types of news stories: “Heat wave”, “drop in unemployment”, “remedies for dehydration”, “celebrity vacations here and there”. However, there is one recurring story that media outlets love to report in a very irresponsible manner in our view, especially considering younger readers: “The new drug”. It feels as though every summer the media were obligated to invent something drug-related to push sensationalism without scientific rigor. This year, it seems to be the turn of Nexus or 2C-B.
We have found articles highlighting Nexus or 2C-B as its creator’s favorite drug, articles emphasizing a low risk of addiction, and pointing out that no overdose deaths have been recorded. Articles that focus on its stimulant effects: euphoria, empathy, good vibes, well-being, talkativeness, hypersensitivity. The finishing touch is the attractive images accompanying these articles showing a pink powder, paired with headlines linking the drug to high society. Given the general attraction of young people toward luxury and high society, this seems like the perfect recipe to promote it. At Emergency Staff, as always, we aim to provide accurate, objective, and verified information, as misinformation leads to poor decisions.
What do we really know about this drug? What are its effects?
Nexus or 2C-B is an amphetamine derivative first synthesized in 1974 that has been circulating in the nightlife scene for over 15 years. It is of course described in our book Drug Intoxications in Nightlife Settings. Its use is extremely minor and completely unrelated to social or economic class; rather, its consumption is tied to consumer expectations.
Over recent years, in our laboratory analyses and medical assistances, Nexus or 2C-B has appeared in tablet form as well as powder, but we have never seen it in pink (always white). It is worth noting that drug presentation is often more of a marketing gimmick than a means of identifying the substance itself. Yes, marketing has reached the illicit drug market as well.
Regarding its effects (lasting 4–8 hours), low doses (<10mg) are reported to produce a stimulant effect, whereas high doses (>25mg) lead to intense hallucinations and agitation states. That is why this substance sits between an LSD-like experience (though far less intense) and MDMA (without being as entactogenic). However, it is not a hybrid substance between LSD and MDMA; one should not confuse the comparison.
Some of the effects include:
During the onset:
During the main experience:
Its main side effects include: nausea, agitation, anxiety, confusing visual effects, and generally those typical of hallucinogens, in addition to tachycardia, elevated body temperature, and increased blood pressure. One must not overlook the risks for individuals with underlying medical conditions or trauma risks associated with use (falls, accidents, etc.).
If as healthcare personnel we must treat a patient intoxicated by 2C-B or Nexus, we should act similarly as with LSD or MDMA toxicity by conducting a thorough medical history (anamnesis) to assess risks and overall condition. Click here to consult the 2C-B information leaflet on Energy Control.
En el sector del ocio, la formación continua es la mejor herramienta de prevención.
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