5-MeO-aMT

Summary

5-MeO-aMT, also known as 5-methoxy-α-methyltryptamine or α, O-Dimethylserotonin (Alpha-O), is a highly potent psychedelic tryptamine. This compound exhibits solubility in ethanol.

Identifiers

IUPAC name
CAS Number	1137-04-8
PubChem CID	36906
ChemSpider	33864
UNII	U5XOB9AQ15
ChEBI	CHEBI:125422
ChEMBL	ChEMBL31115
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID60893758
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C12H16N2O
Molar mass	204.273 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
Melting point	216 to 218 °C (421 to 424 °F)

Pharmacokinetics

Binding Sites	Binding Affinity Ki (μM)
5-HT1A	0.046
5-HT2A	0.034
5-HT2C	0.09
D1	>25
D2	>25
D3	>25
α1A	>12
α2A	11
TAAR1	1.1
H1	>25
SERT	12
DAT	>26
NET	>22

Recreational usage

5-MeO-AMT, also known as Alpha-O, is purportedly available in 4 mg tablet form and is used recreationally. Notably, since the DEA cracked down on a significant portion of LSD production in the United States in 2000, there have been instances of 5-MeO-AMT being misrepresented as LSD, often in the form of liquid, sugar cubes, or blotter papers. This confusion might be related to DEA reports of discovering 5-MeO-AMT on sugar cubes and blotters similar to LSD.
The primary method of ingestion for 5-MeO-AMT is oral administration. Nevertheless, there have been anecdotal accounts of people snorting or smoking the substance. Intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) methods of administration are rarely employed outside of research contexts due to the compound’s high potency, intense effects, and rapid onset.

Effects

Positive Effects:

1. Increased energy
2. Enhanced mood with potential euphoria at higher doses
3. Heightened sociability and gregariousness
4. Elevated giggling and laughter
5. Enhanced creative thinking
6. Increased pleasure from tactile sensations
7. Intensification of sexual experiences for some users

Neutral Effects:

1. Mild lightheadedness
2. Brightening of colors
3. Visual effects, including motion, waving patterns, and breathing walls (typically observed at higher doses, typically over 4–5 mg)
4. Heightened attention to detail
5. Auditory distortions and hallucinations (typically at higher doses)

Negative Effects:

1. Headache
2. Body fatigue
3. Chills due to elevated body temperature (risk of dehydration)
4. Stress and extreme fatigue from the prolonged duration of effects
5. Nausea, diarrhea
6. Vomiting
7. Difficulty sleeping or resting for 12–24 hours following ingestion
8. Paranoia, irritability, anxiety (which may increase with higher doses)
9. Delusional, aggressive, or dissociative behavior observed at very high doses (20+ mg)
10. Risk of death

Dangers

If mistaken for LSD, 5-MeO-AMT can pose significant dangers, as users may consume multiple “hits” of 5-MeO-AMT, thinking it is LSD. Unlike LSD, which has a high safety margin in terms of overdose, 5-MeO-AMT can be extremely harmful or even fatal. In some cases, susceptible individuals have experienced overdose symptoms at doses within the typical range (as low as 20 mg). This has resulted in several hospitalizations and potentially more than one fatality. The overdose potential of the compound is likely attributed to its sympathomimetic effects, as overdose symptoms include cardiac arrhythmia and seizures. It’s also suggested that oral consumption is safer than insufflation.

One tragic example is the case of Gloria Discerni, an 18-year-old who fatally overdosed on what was initially believed to be LSD. Authorities later discovered that the substance was not LSD but a “designer drug” identified as 5-MeO-AMT.

Legal Status

Australia:
5-MeO-aMT is classified as a Schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia, according to the Poisons Standard (October 2015). A Schedule 9 substance has the potential for abuse or misuse. Its manufacture, possession, sale, or use is generally prohibited by law, except when it is required for medical or scientific research or analytical, teaching, or training purposes, subject to approval from Commonwealth and State or Territory Health Authorities.
Sweden:
In Sweden, the Statens folkhälsoinstitut, under the Act on the Prohibition of Certain Goods Dangerous to Health (Lagen om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor), classified 5-MeO-αMT as a “health hazard” as of October 1, 2004. This regulation, listed as SFS 2004:696, identified it as 5-metoxi-alfametyltryptamin (5-MeO-AMT), effectively making it illegal to sell or possess in Sweden.
United Kingdom:
5-MeO-αMT was prohibited in the United Kingdom as of January 7, 2015, alongside 5-MeO-DALT. This action followed the recommendations made on June 10, 2014, by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to schedule 5-MeO-αMT as a class A drug, updating the blanket ban clause on tryptamines.
United States:
At the federal level in the United States, 5-MeO-AMT remains unscheduled, although the DEA considers it a controlled substance analog. It’s important to note that the agency’s stance on this matter may change at any time.
Florida:
In the state of Florida, 5-MeO-AMT is designated as a Schedule I controlled substance, rendering it illegal to buy, sell, or possess.

FAQ

• What is 5-MeO-AMT?
• 5-MeO-AMT, or 5-Methoxy-α-methyltryptamine, is a potent psychedelic tryptamine. It is known for its psychoactive effects and is often taken recreationally.
• How is 5-MeO-AMT typically consumed?
• The most common route of administration for 5-MeO-AMT is orally, but there have been reports of snorting or smoking the substance. Intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes are rarely used outside research settings.
• What are the effects of 5-MeO-AMT?
• The effects of 5-MeO-AMT may include increased energy, improved mood, sociability, visual distortions, auditory hallucinations (at higher doses), and more. However, adverse effects like headaches, nausea, and paranoia can also occur.
• Is 5-MeO-AMT safe to use?
• While there have been no reported deaths or hospitalizations directly attributed to 5-MeO-AMT, its safety profile is not well understood. The potential dangers, especially when misused or combined with other substances, are a cause for concern.
• Is 5-MeO-AMT legal?
• The legal status of 5-MeO-AMT varies by country. It is unscheduled at the federal level in the United States but may be considered a controlled substance analog by the DEA. In some states, like Florida, it is a Schedule I controlled substance. It is illegal in countries like the United Kingdom and Sweden.
• Can 5-MeO-AMT be confused with other substances?
• Yes, 5-MeO-AMT has been misrepresented as LSD in the past, which can be dangerous. Users may unknowingly take it, assuming it is LSD. It’s crucial to be aware of the differences and potential risks.
• Are there reports of overdose or hospitalizations related to 5-MeO-AMT?
• Yes, there have been reports of overdose symptoms, hospitalizations, and even deaths linked to 5-MeO-AMT. Susceptible individuals may experience symptoms of overdose at relatively low doses. Overdoses can result in cardiac arrhythmia and seizures.
• Is 5-MeO-AMT considered a controlled substance in Australia?
• Yes, in Australia, 5-MeO-AMT is classified as a Schedule 9 prohibited substance, meaning its manufacture, possession, sale, or use is generally prohibited by law except for approved medical, scientific, or research purposes.
• Is 5-MeO-AMT illegal in Sweden?
• Yes, Sweden classifies 5-MeO-αMT as a “health hazard” under its regulations. This classification makes it illegal to sell or possess in Sweden.
• When was 5-MeO-AMT banned in the United Kingdom?
• As of January 7, 2015, 5-MeO-αMT became illegal in the United Kingdom, along with other substances, following a recommendation to schedule it as a class A drug.

References

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11. “Poisons Standard.” Federal Register of Legislation. Australian Government. October 2015.
12. “Amendment to the Ordinance (1999:58) on Prohibition of Hazardous Substances” [Ordinance amending the ordinance (1999: 58) on the prohibition of certain dangerous goods;] (PDF). Swedish Code of Statutes (in Swedish). 19 August 2004. SFS 2004:696.
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