The mechanism that produces the purported hallucinogenic and entheogenic effects of 5-MeO-DiPT is thought to result primarily from 5-HT2A receptor agonism, although additional mechanisms of action such as monoamine oxidase inhibition (MAOI) may be involved also.

[5][6][7] Excessive doses have caused clinical intoxication, characterized by nausea, vomiting, agitation, hypotension, mydriasis, tachycardia and hallucinations, in a number of young adults.

Rhabdomyolysis and renal failure occurred in one young man and another one died 3–4 hours after an apparent rectal overdose.

Sveriges riksdags health ministry Statens folkhälsoinstitut classified 5-MeO-DiPT as "health hazard" under the act Lagen om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor (translated Act on the Prohibition of Certain Goods Dangerous to Health) as of Oct 1, 2004, in their regulation SFS 2004:696 listed as 5-metoxi-N,N-diisopropyltryptamin (5-MeO-DIPT), making it illegal to sell or possess.

Prior to its prohibition in the U.S., 5-MeO-DiPT was sold online alongside psychoactive analogues such as DiPT, and DPT, neither of which have yet been expressly outlawed.