Moving beyond 5-HT2A: language models map neurotransmitter receptors to experiential semantics
Suresh et al. (2026) developed a computational model using 4,496 first-hand psychedelic experience reports, combining language analysis with receptor-binding data for 21 psychedelic drugs to explore associations between 19 neurotransmitter receptors and reported experiences. The analysis linked the 5-HT2A receptor with characteristic psychedelic experiences and identified potential associations between 5-HT1A/5-HT1B receptors and cognitive disruption, histamine H1 receptors and reports of “interdimensional communication”, and 5-HT7A/5-HT1E receptors and visual complexity. These are exploratory associations generated by a proof-of-concept model, not evidence that these receptors directly cause specific experiences.
Abstract
Rationale
Psychedelics exhibit rapid, durable therapeutic effects across diverse psychiatric conditions, yet their broad-spectrum psychoactivity poses challenges for clinical translation.
Objectives
As a proof-of-concept, we aimed to quantify associations between 19 neurotransmitter receptors and the subjective effects of 21 psychedelic drugs with broadly assayed binding profiles.
Methods
We used a custom Global Vectors for Word Representation (GloVe)-based semantic embedding model trained on 4,496 firsthand experience reports and integrated it with receptor affinities to identify candidate receptor-linked semantic patterns related to distinct psychoactive effects without imposing predefined categorization systems.
Results
While 5-HT2A predictably associates with classic facets of psychedelic experience, our analysis reveals novel associations, including 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B with ‘Cognitive Disruption’, H1 with ‘Interdimensional Communication’, and 5-HT7a and 5-HT1E with ‘Visual Complexity’.
Suresh, P., Kins, J., Levkovskyy, L. et al. Moving beyond 5-HT2A: language models map neurotransmitter receptors to experiential semantics. Psychopharmacology (2026). Read Paper
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