MDA
MDA is a synthetic entactogen1 of the amphetamine class that produces stimulant and mild psychedelic effects1 alongside its empathogenic properties.1 First synthesized in 1910, its psychoactive effects were not recognized until 1930, and it emerged as a recreational substance in the late 1960s — predating the popularization of its close relative MDMA. Compared to MDMA, MDA is generally considered more stimulating with a stronger psychedelic edge.1 It is sometimes found in pills sold as MDMA,2 and vice versa.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
Visual
Auditory
Reagent Testing
Loading reagent data
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
MDA acts primarily as a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent (SNDRA), functioning as a substrate of the serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and vesicular monoamine transporters.2 It is also an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors, with direct 5-HT2A agonism underlying its psychedelic properties.234 MDA shows affinity for the α2A-, α2B-, and α2C-adrenergic receptors and the 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 serotonin receptors.5 At TAAR1, MDA is a potent agonist in rodent models but only a very weak partial agonist or antagonist at the human receptor.67 The enantiomers differ pharmacologically: (S)-MDA shows greater potency at the monoamine transporters,8 while (R)-MDA fully substitutes for serotonergic psychedelics in drug discrimination assays.9
Pharmacokinetics
MDA has an elimination half-life of approximately 10.9 hours.10
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.
Tolerance
Serotonergic psychedelics, Stimulants
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateMDA can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. Compulsive redosing may occur due to its euphoria-inducing effects, with a strong desire to repeat the experience commonly reported when coming down.
Physical
LowMDA is generally not considered physically addictive, though cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if chronic users suddenly stop usage.
Toxicity
MDA is known to be more neurotoxic than MDMA11, with estimates suggesting it may be approximately five times as neurotoxic; this is a primary safety concern with frequent use, high doses, or elevated body temperature during use.
MDA is reported to be hepatotoxic, though liver toxicity from use is considered rare.
Acute toxicity and overdose can cause dangerous cardiovascular strain including dramatically increased blood pressure and heart rate; death in overdose cases is usually caused by cardiac effects and subsequent hemorrhaging in the brain.
Psychosis Risk
Psychological crisis requiring hospitalization, including psychotic episodes and severe panic attacks, is possible but rare. Regular use may lead to schizophrenia-like symptoms. Derealization can occur temporarily after a strong experience and may persist in cases of misuse.
Seizure Risk
Seizures are a rare effect but can occur in people predisposed to them, especially when taking heavier-than-recommended doses or while in physically taxing conditions such as dehydration, fatigue, or undernourishment. Convulsions are listed among symptoms of acute toxicity and overdose.
History & Culture
Discovery and Early Research
MDA was first synthesized by German chemists Carl Mannich and W. Jacobsohn in 1910,13 though its psychoactive properties remained unknown for two decades. The compound's mind-altering effects were discovered through self-experimentation by American chemist Gordon…
Trip Reports
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Legality
International
UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 (Schedule I)
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
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- Baggott MJ, Siegrist JD, Galloway GP, Robertson LC, Coyle JR, & Mendelson JE. (December 2, 2010). Investigating the Mechanisms of Hallucinogen-Induced Visions Using 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA): A Randomized Controlled Trial in Humans. PLOS ONE, 5(12), e14074. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0014074123
- (1994). Effect of the R(-) and S(+) isomers of MDA and MDMA on phosphatidyl inositol turnover in cultured cells expressing 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors. 177(1-2), 111-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3940(94)90057-412
- (2009). Serotonergic drugs and valvular heart disease. https://doi.org/10.1517/147403309029315241
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- (2016). In Vitro Characterization of Psychoactive Substances at Rat, Mouse, and Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1. 357(1), 134-144. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.115.22976512
- (2011). Trace amine-associated receptor 1 is a stereoselective binding site for compounds in the amphetamine class. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2011.10.0071
- (1986). Effects of the enantiomers of MDA, MDMA and related analogues on [3H]serotonin and [3H]dopamine release from superfused rat brain slices. 132(2-3), 269-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(86)90615-11
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Further Reading
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