Adrenochrome

Adrenochrome is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C9H9NO3 produced by the oxidation of adrenaline (epinephrine). The derivative carbazochrome is a hemostatic medication. Despite a similarity in chemical names, it is unrelated to chrome or chromium.

Adrenochrome is an oxidation product of adrenaline (ephinephrine, norepinephrine). The effects and classification of this drug is said to be controversial because it is debated whether is has any psychoactive or hallucinogenic effects, although some test subjects compared the adrenochrome experience to mild psilocybin and LSD experiences. Psychoactive effects of adrenochrome may include euphoria, confusion, a change in train of thought, lack of judgment, poor insight and inability to concentrate. Author Hunter S. Thompson mentions adrenochrome in his book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In the book the drug comes from a living donor's adrenal gland and therefore it is deemed exotic and intense. In the DVD commentary, director Terry Gilliam admits that his and Thompson's portrayal is fictional.