Α-Methylacetylfentanyl

Α-Methylacetylfentanyl (AMAF) is a potent opioid analgesic drug that is an analog of fentanyl. It was first identified in drug seizures in the 1980s and has been linked to numerous overdose fatalities.

Chemistry

Α-Methylacetylfentanyl is a member of the 4-anilidopiperidine class of opioid drugs. It is structurally related to fentanyl, but has a methyl group substituted on the acetyl moiety. This modification results in a drug that is approximately 15 times more potent than morphine in animal models.

Pharmacology

Like other opioids, Α-Methylacetylfentanyl acts on the mu-opioid receptor to produce its analgesic effects. It is a potent agonist at this receptor, which is responsible for the drug's powerful pain-relieving and euphoric effects. However, it also carries a high risk of respiratory depression, which is the primary cause of death in opioid overdoses.

History

Α-Methylacetylfentanyl was first identified in drug seizures in the 1980s. It has since been linked to numerous overdose fatalities, particularly in the context of the ongoing opioid epidemic. Despite its dangers, it continues to be illicitly manufactured and sold due to its high potency and relatively simple synthesis.

Legal status

In many countries, including the United States, Α-Methylacetylfentanyl is a controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. It is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

See also

• Fentanyl
• Opioid epidemic
• Controlled Substances Act