AS-19 (drug)

AS-19 is a serotonin-releasing agent that was developed in the 1970s. It is a psychoactive drug that has been studied for its potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

Chemistry

AS-19 is a phenethylamine derivative, specifically a substituted amphetamine. It is structurally related to other amphetamines such as MDMA (Ecstasy) and MDEA (Eve). The chemical name for AS-19 is 1-(4-bromofuro[2,3-f][1]benzofuran-8-yl)propan-2-amine.

Pharmacology

AS-19 acts primarily as a serotonin releasing agent (SRA), meaning it promotes the release of serotonin in the brain. This is believed to be the mechanism by which it exerts its psychoactive effects. In addition to its SRA activity, AS-19 also has some affinity for the serotonin receptors, although this is less well studied.

Therapeutic Use

AS-19 has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Early research suggested that it might be useful in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, due to its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain. However, further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of AS-19.

Safety and Side Effects

Like other serotonin-releasing agents, AS-19 has the potential to cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, restlessness, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, loss of muscle coordination, and sweating. Other potential side effects of AS-19 include nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.

Legal Status

The legal status of AS-19 varies by country. In some countries, it is classified as a controlled substance, while in others it is legal for research purposes but not for human consumption.

See Also

• Serotonin releasing agent
• Substituted amphetamine
• Serotonin syndrome