3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-propargylamphetamine

3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-propargylamphetamine (MDPA) is a lesser-known psychedelic drug. MDPA was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin. In his book PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved), the dosage range is listed as 150–250 mg and the duration is listed as 10–15 hours. MDPA produces few to no effects. Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of MDPA.

Chemistry

MDPA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-propargylamphetamine, is a compound of the phenethylamine class. The molecule is formed by adding a propargyl group to the nitrogen (N) of the amphetamine backbone. This addition forms a part of the alkyl substituents. The phenethylamine core of MDPA features a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain. MDPA contains an additional oxymethylene bridge, rendering it a methylenedioxy phenethylamine type of compound.

Pharmacology

The pharmacology of MDPA is not well-studied. However, it is known that the compound's effects, like those of other psychedelics, are likely to stem from its efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptor. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience remains the subject of ongoing scientific investigation.

Effects

MDPA is reported to have few to no effects. In PiHKAL, Shulgin reports that a dosage of 150–250 mg of MDPA produced only threshold effects. These effects included slight light-headedness and some nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), but no hallucinations or significant psychedelic effects.

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational MDPA use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried MDPA suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the drug by itself at low to moderate doses and using it sparingly.

Legal status

The legal status of MDPA varies by country. In the United States, it is not explicitly scheduled, although it could possibly be considered an analog of MDMA, and therefore could be considered illegal under the Federal Analogue Act.

See also

• Phenethylamine
• Psychedelic drug
• Alexander Shulgin
• PiHKAL