AMT

Description

AMT (Alpha-methyltryptamine) is a stimulant of the tryptamine type. It was originally investigated for its anti-depressant properties. AMT (or αMT) is a long-acting psychedelic and euphoric synthetic stimulant and a tryptamine with effects similar to amphetamines. Although it was quickly disregarded as a pharmaceutical product, AMT gained a small but enduring reputation as a recreational stimulant and continues to be used in waves of popularity. Users use it for euphoric, empathogenic effects and at higher doses can cause psychedelic effects. It is an indole analogue of amphetamine, which is why its stimulant effects can resemble amphetamine’s

Two features make it unforgiving. The first is a very slow onset, which invites re-dosing. The second is a very long duration, which means problems can develop slowly and last a long time.

Pharmacology

Alpha-methyltryptamine is a variant of tryptamine with a methyl substituent on the alpha carbon. It acts as both a MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), which is how it was first proposed to work as an anti-depressant, and as a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist (with modest psychedelic effects compared to other tryptamines). It appears to work relatively equally as a reuptake inhibitor and releasing agent of the main three monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin).

Despite similarities in effect to MDMA, they are not chemically closely related, with AMT having a similar relationship to tryptamine as amphetamine has to phenethylamine. It is also closely related to alpha-ethyltryptamine (αET), which was briefly sold as an anti-depressant.

AMT is pharmacologically active at doses as low as 5mg and it can take as long as 3 hours for the initial effects to be felt when used recreationally, meaning inexperienced users are sometimes at risk of believing the substance has not worked and re-dosing too early. The alpha-methyl group makes AMT a poor substrate for MAO, so the body clears it slowly. This helps explain both the long duration and the slow onset. Because it combines serotonin release with MAO inhibition, AMT is more dangerous with other serotonergic drugs than it might appear. Effects last for typically 12–24 hours in total, although occasionally up to two days.

Harm Reduction

• AMT is active at very low doses (under 10mg) when taken orally, and individual tolerance will depend on factors such as age, sex, weight and frequency of use. It also takes far longer than similar substances to take effect, with the onset often not happening for 1-3hr. It is therefore extremely important not to assume that you’ve taken a dud and re-dose too quickly.
• When smoked (which is rare), AMT is active at even lower doses, as little as 2-5mg, but will take effect quicker (usually within half an hour).
• It is fairly common for AMT to produce sensations of nausea, and these can quite often lead to vomiting, particularly amongst inexperienced users. If this happens to you or someone you are with, make sure they are conscious and able to respond (if not make sure they do not swallow their sick and call an ambulance) and try to get them to drink some water to replace lost fluids.
• As it is so long-acting, it is not uncommon for the main effects to continue for many hours, possibly into the following day, after consumption. If someone is still under the effect of the substance make sure they do not drive or operate machinery, and if possible keep them resting until they have fully come down.
• AMT acts as an MAOI (with some describing it as weak and others, including the DEA describing it as strong, so be especially careful if you are taking any anti-depressants, and do not take with any other MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome is a key danger and AMT in combination with other drugs can cause severe serotonin syndrome. This includes SSRIs/SNRIs and other MAOIs, MDMA and other releasers, amphetamines, tramadol and 5-HTP. Warning signs are:
  • agitation or confusion
  • sweating
  • high temperature
  • tremor or muscle twitching/rigidity
  • dilated pupils
  • a racing heart
  • seizures
• Overheating and heart strain. Hyperthermia, high blood pressure and tachycardia have all been reported. Avoid hot crowded settings, and stay cool and hydrated without over-drinking.
• Don’t use alone. At the very least, make sure someone knows where you are, and don’t use alone in a locked room or isolated place.

History

It was first experimented with in the 1960s by The Upjohn Company (later a subsidiary of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals) as a possible anti-depressant with early human studies in 1961. The results were disappointing and interest was soon dropped but It continued to be marketed for some time in the Soviet Union under the trade name Indopan but had fallen out of use by the 1970s.

As a recreational drug its use remained very marginal from the 1960s-90s, when it experienced an upsurge in popularity linked to the clubbing scene and other stimulant-type drugs associated with that subculture. Alexander Shulgin‘s TiHKAL helped publicise it and use rose with the club scene and internet research chemical trade from the late 90’s. It was deemed significant enough to be scheduled in the US in 2003 after a death in Miami-Dade county but due to remaining relatively uncommon in Europe remained uncontrolled in the UK until 2015

Law

• Class A
• Schedule 1

Possible offences

• Possession
  • Maximum sentence – 7 years/fine/both
• Possession With Intent To Supply
  • Maximum sentence – Life/fine/both
• Supply (including being concerned in supply, conspiracy to supply, aggravated supply and offer to supply)
  • Maximum sentence – Life/fine/both
• Production
  • Maximum sentence – Life/fine/both

In practice maximum sentences are rarely used, for more detailed and accurate information go to our sentencing page.