NM-2-AI
NM-2-AI is a relatively obscure synthetic stimulant in the aminoindane class.1 Chemically, it is 2-aminoindane with N-methyl substitution and is structurally related to 2-AI and MDAI.1 Compared with 2-AI, reports describe it as less potent, longer lasting, and broadly similar in stimulant character. It has been sold online by research-chemical vendors as a designer drug.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of NM2AI can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Cognitive
The general head space of NM2AI is described by many as one of mental stimulation, increased focus, and euphoria. It contains a large number of typical stimulant cognitive effects. Although negative side effects are usually mild at low to moderate doses, they become increasingly likely to manifest themselves with higher amounts or extended usage. This particularly holds true during the offset of the experience.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
NM-2-AI acts as a highly selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and releasing agent.2 In vitro data indicate that it does not release serotonin or dopamine even at very high concentrations (100 μM).2 It also displays affinity for the alpha-2A adrenergic receptor as an agonist and acts as a TAAR1 receptor agonist, with additional binding at the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors.
Pharmacokinetics
In vivo metabolism studies using LC-HRMS have identified seven main urinary metabolites. NM-2-AI undergoes N-demethylation to form 2-aminoindane (2-AI) and hydroxylation to produce multiple hydroxy-NM-2-AI and hydroxy-2-AI species, some of which undergo further conjugation. Both NM-2-AI and 2-AI have been detected in hair and blood samples.3
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
Dopaminergic stimulants
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateChronic use is considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence. Compulsive redosing has been reported. When addiction develops, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur upon cessation.
Physical
Withdrawal effects are mentioned in the context of addiction, but specific physical dependence characteristics have not been documented for this substance.
Psychosis Risk
As with other stimulants, abuse at high dosages for prolonged periods can potentially result in stimulant psychosis presenting with paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions. Based on data from related amphetamine-type stimulants, approximately 5-15% of individuals who develop stimulant psychosis may fail to recover completely,4 though antipsychotic medications effectively resolve symptoms of acute episodes.4
Seizure Risk
Seizure risk from NM-2-AI alone has not been documented, though combination with certain substances may increase seizure risk.
History & Culture
NM-2-AI is a novel stimulant belonging to the aminoindane chemical class.1 Structurally, it represents a rigid analogue of methamphetamine and shares close chemical relationships with other aminoindane compounds such as 2-AI and MDAI. The substance emerged on the online research…
Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Micaela Tirri, Giorgia Corli, Raffaella Arfè, Beatrice Marchetti, Sabrine Bilel, Tatiana Bernardi, Federica Boccuto, Sara Odoardi, Serena Mestria, Sabina Strano-Rossi, & Matteo Marti. (2023). Behavioral and Pharmacokinetics Studies of N-Methyl-2-Aminoindane (NM2AI) in Mice: An Aminoindane Briefly Used in the Illicit Drug Market. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9916073/1234
- Dino Luethi, Karolina E. Kolaczynska, Luca Docci, Stephan Krähenbühl, Marius C. Hoener, & Matthias E. Liechti. (2018-05). Pharmacological profile of mephedrone analogs and related new psychoactive substances. Neuropharmacology, 134(Pt A), 4-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.02612345678910
- Serena Mestria, Sara Odoardi, Simona Federici, Sabrine Bilel, Micaela Tirri, Matteo Marti, & Sabina Strano-Rossi. (2021-05-14). Metabolism Study of N-Methyl 2-Aminoindane (NM2AI) and Determination of Metabolites in Biological Samples by LC-HRMS. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 45(5), 475-483. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkaa1111234
- (2009). Treatment for amphetamine psychosis. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd003026.pub312
- (2016-11-26). Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetz (NpSG). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/BJNR261510016.html1
- (2016-11-26). Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetz (NpSG) §4 Strafvorschriften. https://www.buzer.de/4_NpSG.htm12
- (n.d.). Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien (BetmVV-EDI), SR 812.121.11, Anhang 6 Verzeichnis e, Eintrag Nr. 132. https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2011/363/de1
- (2016-05-26). Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (c. 2), Sections 4, 5, 8. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents1
- (2016-05-03). The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (Commencement) Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/553). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/553/made1
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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