PMA

PMA is a stimulant in the amphetamine class. It has rarely been used intentionally, but it’s been an adulterant in the MDMA/MDA market for decades. Due to its toxicity, which is relevant even at relatively low doses, hundreds of deaths have likely come from its use.

The initial effects of a common dose resemble MDMA in some ways, but higher doses don’t develop into an entactogen experience. Instead, the primary effects become agitation, confusion, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and hypertension.

It exerts its effects by releasing and inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. Additionally, it’s an MAO-A inhibitor, which contributes to the negative effects.

PMA = para-methoxyamphetamine; paramethoxyamphetamine; 4-methoxyamphetamine, 4-MA, P-Methoxyamphetamine, 1-p-Methoxyphenyl-2-propylamine

PubChem: 31721

Molecular formula: C10H15NO

Molecular weight: 165.236 g/mol

IUPAC: 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)propan-2-amine

Dose

Oral

Light: 30 – 40 mg

Common: 40 – 50 mg

Strong: 50 – 60+ mg

Timeline

Oral (tentative)

Total: 2 – 4 hours

Onset: 01:00 – 02:00 (some reports claim over 2 hours)

Experience Reports

Erowid

Supplementary Videos

References

(2016) A fatal case of paramethoxyamphetamine poisoning and its detection in hair.

(2013) A review of impurity profiling and synthetic route of manufacture of methylamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, amphetamine, dimethylamphetamine and p-methoxyamphetamine.

(2012) Severe paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) and paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) outbreak in Israel.

(2008) Fatal paramethoxy-amphetamine (PMA) poisoning in the Australian Capital Territory

(2007) The effects of co-administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“ecstasy”) or para-methoxyamphetamine and moclobemide at elevated ambient temperatures on striatal 5-HT, body temperature and behavior in rats.

(2007) Pharmacological and behavioral determinants of cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and para-methoxyamphetamine-induced hyperthermia.

(2005) Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and related amphetamines on autonomic and behavioral thermoregulation.

(2005) Differences in the in vivo dynamics of neurotransmitter release and serotonin uptake after acute para-methoxyamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine revealed by chronoamperometry.

(2005) Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’) and para-methoxyamphetamine on striatal 5-HT when co-administered with moclobemide.

(2003) Report on the risk assessment of PMMA in the framework of the joint action on new synthetic drugs

(2003) A fatal paramethoxymethamphetamine intoxication.

(2003) Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) poisoning; a ‘party drug’ with lethal effects.

(2003) Anise oil as para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) precursor.

(2002) Death and paramethoxyamphetamine – an evolving problem. [Response]

(2002) Death and paramethoxyamphetamine — an evolving problem.

(2001) Three cases of fatal paramethoxyamphetamine overdose.

(2001) Fatalities Caused by the MDMA-related Drug Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA)

(2001) Poisoning with the recreational drug paramethoxyamphetamine (“death”).

(2000) The hallucinogen PMA: Dancing with death

(2000) Differential behavioural and neurochemical effects of para-methoxyamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in the rat.

(1998) Hyperpyrexia associated with fatal paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) abuse.

(1998) Recent paramethoxyamphetamine deaths.

(1984) The stimulus properties of para-methoxyamphetamine: a nonessential serotonergic component.

(1975) Comparison of cardiovascular, hyperthermic, and toxic effects of para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) and 3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).

(1974) PMA deaths in Ontario

(1971) Effect of para-methoxyamphetamine on catecholamine metabolism in the mouse brain.

(1932) dl-beta-Phenylisopropylamines