AMT
AMT is a synthetic psychedelic, stimulant, and entactogen of the tryptamine class.12 Originally developed by Upjohn in the 1960s, it was briefly prescribed as an antidepressant in the Soviet Union before being discontinued.34 Its effects are often described as a cross between classical psychedelics and MDMA, combining perceptual alterations with empathogenic and stimulant qualities.53 It also possesses weak, reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) activity.31
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Moderate to severe nausea and vomiting are commonly reported at all doses. Effects can take a long time to appear, and redosing before onset is a common error that produces stronger effects than intended. Unverifiable reports of hospitalization exist after oral doses above 60 mg, and danger is reported to rise sharply as doses approach 150 mg due to increased monoamine release and MAO inhibition.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of AMT can be broken down into six components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Cognitive
In comparison to more traditional psychedelics such as LSD, DMT and Psilocin, the AMT head space is described as not nearly as deep, insightful or profound.
Visual
Geometry
The visual geometry that is present throughout this trip can be described as more similar in appearance to that of psilocin and 2C-E than LSD. At lower levels, they appear to be bland and simplistic but become equal in terms of intricacy and depth to that of any of the classical psychedelics. They can be comprehensively described as structured in their organization, organic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, large in size, fast and smooth in motion, colourful in scheme, glossy in colour, blurred in their edges and rounded in their corners. They have a 'natural' feel to them and at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of Level 7B visual geometry over Level 7A.
Hallucinatory States
At high dosages AMT can produce a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics.
Auditory
The auditory effects of AMT are common in their occurrence and exhibit a full range of effects.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
AMT acts as a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist, with its psychedelic effects primarily attributed to partial agonism at the 5-HT2A receptor.6 It also functions as a relatively balanced releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.7 Additionally, AMT is a weak, non-selective, and reversible inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO).8
Pharmacokinetics
The alpha-methyl substituent on AMT's tryptamine backbone renders it a relatively poor substrate for monoamine oxidase A, protecting the amine group from metabolic deamination and prolonging its half-life sufficiently to reach the central nervous system.6 Hydroxylation and oxidation appear to be the primary metabolic pathways, as indicated by metabolites identified in rat studies.69
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Serotonergic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, and other tryptamines)
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
LowAMT is generally considered to have low psychological addiction potential and is not habit-forming5, with the desire to use typically decreasing with repeated experiences. Compulsive use is rarely reported, and users tend to be self-regulating.
Physical
Extremely LowAMT is not considered physically addicting.6 Withdrawal effects following discontinuation have not been reported.6
Toxicity
Potential for serotonergic neurotoxicity has been suggested based on the structurally related compound alpha-ethyltryptamine (aET), which is a known serotonergic neurotoxin;6 direct evidence for aMT neurotoxicity in humans has not been established, but caution is warranted at high dosages or with repeated long-term use.
Temperature regulation suppression occurs during intoxication, with hyperthermia being a potentially life-threatening side effect at higher doses.
Psychosis Risk
Extreme confusion and depersonalization have been reported at high doses. Neurologic side effects include agitation, restlessness, and confusion.6 True psychotic episodes are not commonly documented, but high doses can produce significantly disorienting mental states.
History & Culture
Discovery and Pharmaceutical Development
Alpha-methyltryptamine appears to have first been described in the scientific literature around 1929, though it remained relatively unstudied until the late 1950s. More intensive research on AMT began in the late 1950s and early 1960s, conducted alongside its close structural relative…
Trip Reports
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Legality
International
1961 Single Convention: AMT is not individually scheduled.
1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances: AMT is not individually scheduled; etryptamine is a distinct substance.
1988 Convention: AMT is not listed in precursor Tables I or II.
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (n.d.). Alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT) — Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Information Repository. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. https://ecddrepository.org/en/alpha-methyltryptamine-amt12
- WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. (2014). Expert peer review No.1: Alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT), Agenda item 4.20. World Health Organization. https://ecddrepository.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/4_20_epr_1.pdf12
- (2004-09-29). Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Alpha-Methyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Diisopropyltryptamine Into Schedule I — 69 FR 58050. Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2004-09-29/html/04-21755.htm1234
- Shulgin, Alexander, & Shulgin, Ann. (1997). #48. a-MT. Transform Press. https://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/tihkal/tihkal48.shtml12345
- WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. (2014). Expert peer review No.2: Alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT), Agenda item 4.20. World Health Organization. https://ecddrepository.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/4_20_epr_2.pdf12
- WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. (June 2014). Alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT): Critical Review Report, Agenda item 4.20. World Health Organization. https://ecddrepository.org/sites/default/files/4_20_review.pdf123456789101112
- (2007). The effects of non-medically used psychoactive drugs on monoamine neurotransmission in rat brain. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.11.0751234
- (1986). Studies of Monoamine Oxidase and Semicarbazide-Sensitive Amine Oxidase II. Inhibition by a-Methylated Substrate-Analogue Monoamines, a-Methyltryptamine, a-Methylbenzylamine and Two Enantiomers of a-Methylbenzylamine. https://doi.org/10.1254/jjp.41.191123
- Kanamori T, Kuwayama K, Tsujikawa K, Miyaguchi H, Iwata YT, & Inoue H. (December 2008). In vivo metabolism of alpha-methyltryptamine in rats: identification of urinary metabolites. Xenobiotica, 38(12), 1476-1486. https://doi.org/10.1080/0049825080249165412
- (2005). Fatality due to acute alpha-methyltryptamine intoxication. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/29.5.3941
- Huang XM, Johnson MP, & Nichols DE. (1991). Reduction in brain serotonin markers by alpha-ethyltryptamine (Monase). 200(1), 187-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(91)90686-k1
- Long, Heather, Nelson, Lewis S., & Hoffman, Robert S.. (2003). Alpha-methyltryptamine revisited via easy Internet access. 45(3), 149. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12776793/1
- (2003-04-04). Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of alpha-methyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine into Schedule I — 68 FR 16427. Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2003-04-04/html/03-8171.htm1
- (2019). Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG) Anlage I. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html1
- (2019). Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG) § 29. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/__29.html1
- (n.d.). Förordning (1999:58) om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor — konsolidering 2005:641. Lagen.nu / Swedish Riksdag. https://lagen.nu/1999:58/konsolidering/2005:6411
- (n.d.). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled-drugs-list--2/list-of-most-commonly-encountered-drugs-currently-controlled-under-the-misuse-of-drugs-legislation1
- (n.d.). 21 CFR § 1308.11(d). ecfr.gov. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1308/section-1308.111
Further Reading
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