5-MeO-AMT

5-MeO-AMT (5-methoxy-α-methyltryptamine) is a psychedelic and hallucinogenic drug, used recreationally for its psychoactive effects. It is a synthetic compound of the tryptamine family, and its full chemical name is 5-methoxy-α-methyltryptamine.

History

5-MeO-AMT was first synthesized by the chemist Alexander Shulgin and documented in his book TiHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved). The drug gained popularity in the 1990s as a legal alternative to other psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin.

Pharmacology

5-MeO-AMT acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates receptors in the brain that normally respond to the neurotransmitter serotonin. This action is thought to be responsible for the drug's psychedelic effects. It also has some activity at other neurotransmitter receptors, including those for dopamine and norepinephrine.

Effects

The effects of 5-MeO-AMT can vary widely depending on the dose, the individual's physiology, and the environment in which it's taken. Common effects include visual hallucinations, altered perception of time, enhanced introspection, and emotional intensification. Negative effects can include nausea, anxiety, and potentially dangerous increases in heart rate and blood pressure.

Legal Status

The legal status of 5-MeO-AMT varies by country. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. In the United Kingdom, it is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

See Also

• Psychedelic drug
• Hallucinogen
• Tryptamine
• Alexander Shulgin
• TiHKAL
• Serotonin receptor
• Dopamine
• Norepinephrine
• Schedule I drug