Methiopropamine

Methiopropamine (also known as MPA) is a thiophene-ring-based structural analog of methamphetamine originally reported in 1942. Chemically it is not a phenethylamine or amphetamine and is not their functional analog either, which makes it a perfectly legal drug that circumvents even the anti-drug-analog laws. It has been sold as a designer drug, first being identified in Sweden in the year 2010.

Chemistry

Methiopropamine is related to methamphetamine in much the same way as thiopental is related to pentobarbital. It is not a barbiturate but it is a thiophene analog.

Pharmacology

Methiopropamine functions as a selective norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor with little to no effect on serotonin reuptake. Methiopropamine has a significantly reduced potency compared to methamphetamine, likely due to the added bulk of the thiophene ring. Methiopropamine is likely to be metabolized in a similar way to methamphetamine.

Effects

The effects of methiopropamine are generally regarded as less intense than methamphetamine but longer lasting than the effects of cocaine. The effects have been described as euphoric, mentally stimulating, and physically stimulating.

Legal Status

Methiopropamine is a controlled substance in some countries such as the UK, but remains legal in many other jurisdictions. It is often used as a research chemical and can be purchased online.

See Also

• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine
• Thiophene
• Designer drug
• Research chemical