3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine

3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA) is a psychoactive drug and hallucinogen that belongs to the amphetamine class of compounds. It is known for its psychedelic effects similar to those of LSD and mescaline. TMA is one of the several compounds in the series of substituted amphetamines, which include more widely known substances such as MDMA (Ecstasy) and methamphetamine.

Chemistry

3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine is chemically related to mescaline, sharing the same methoxy groups at the 3, 4, and 5 positions of the benzene ring. The presence of these methoxy groups significantly influences the compound's pharmacological properties, making it a potent serotonin receptor agonist. The chemical formula for TMA is C₁₂H₁₉NO₃.

Pharmacology

The pharmacological action of TMA is primarily through its agonist activity at the serotonin receptor, particularly at the 5-HT_2A receptor, which is known to be responsible for its psychedelic effects. Like other psychedelics, TMA induces intense visual and auditory hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and profound changes in thought, mood, and perception.

Effects

The effects of 3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine can vary greatly depending on the dose, individual physiology, and environmental factors. Commonly reported effects include visual hallucinations, enhanced colors, emotional uplift, euphoria, and increased introspection. However, negative effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and disorientation can also occur, especially at higher doses.

History

TMA was first synthesized and investigated in the early 1960s by Alexander Shulgin, a renowned chemist and pharmacologist known for his extensive work on psychoactive compounds. Shulgin's research on TMA and other related compounds was documented in his books PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved), which has become a seminal text in the study of psychoactive substances.

Legal Status

The legal status of 3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine varies by country, but it is often classified as a controlled substance due to its psychoactive properties and potential for abuse. In many jurisdictions, the possession, manufacture, and distribution of TMA are regulated under drug control laws.

See Also

• Psychedelic drug
• Alexander Shulgin
• PiHKAL
• Substituted amphetamine
• Serotonin receptor