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National Drug Intelligence Center
      
Product No. 2004-L0559-002

June 2004

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Cover image linked to printable 5-MEO-AMT Fast Facts brochure.

Background photo © John Foxx Images;
Cover photo: NDIC

Printable brochure (59 KB pdf)

5-MeO-AMT
Fast Facts

Questions and Answers 

     - What is 5-MeO-AMT?
     - What does 5-MeO-AMT look like?
     - How is 5-MeO-AMT used?
     - Who abuses 5-MeO-AMT? 
     - What are the risks?
     - Is 5-MeO-AMT illegal?

Other products of interest
Contact us 

National Drug Intelligence Center
a component of the 
U.S. Department of Justice.

   
W
hat is 5-MeO-AMT?

5-MeO-AMT is a common name for a synthetic drug with the chemical name 5-methoxy-alpha-methyltryptamine. Other common names for 5-MeO-AMT are alpha-O and alpha,O-DMS, which are derived from the drug's alternate chemical name alpha,O-dimethylserotonin.

Abused for the hallucinogenic effects it produces, 5-MeO-AMT belongs to a class of chemical compounds known as tryptamines. Other hallucinogenic tryptamines include AMT (alpha-methyltryptamine), 5-MeO-DIPT (5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine, also known as foxy), psilocybin, and psilocyn.

 

What does 5-MeO-AMT look like?

5-MeO-AMT typically is available as a powder, which may be packaged in small glass or plastic vials. However, the powder commonly is dissolved in water or alcohol and used to impregnate sugar cubes, candy, small pieces of gelatin, or blotter paper. The powder also can be pressed into tablets or placed in capsules.

Photo of 5-MeO-AMT coated on pieces of green glass used as a concealment method.
5-MeO-AMT coated on pieces of green glass used as a concealment method.
Mesa (AZ)  Police Department

Photo showing 5-MeO-AMT dissolved on a sugar cube.
5-MeO-AMT dissolved on a sugar cube.
PA Bureau of Narcotics Investigation (BNI)

 

How is 5-MeO-AMT used?

5-MeO-AMT typically is consumed orally in 2.0- to 4.5-milligram dosages, although dosage amounts vary widely. The drug also may be administered via snorting or smoking. Typically, users begin to feel the drug's effects within 1 hour after administration. The hallucinogenic effects generally last for 12 to 18 hours.

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Who abuses 5-MeO-AMT?   

5-MeO-AMT typically is abused by teenagers and young adults. The drug is used at raves, nightclubs, and other venues where the use of club drugs, particularly MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy), is well-established. 5-MeO-AMT also is used at private parties. 

             

What are the risks?

5-MeO-AMT produces various negative physical and psychological effects in users. Physical effects include visual and auditory disturbances and distortions, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Psychological effects associated with the use of  5-MeO-AMT include terrifying hallucinations and emotional distress. The drug also diminishes user inhibitions, which can result in high-risk sexual activity or accidental injury.

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Is 5-MeO-AMT illegal?

Yes, 5-MeO-AMT is illegal for human consumption. It is an analog of 5-MeO-DIPT and AMT, which are Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. According to 21 U.S.C. § 813, "a controlled substance analog(ue) shall, to the extent intended for human consumption, be treated, for the purposes of any Federal law as a controlled substance in Schedule I." Thus, authorities can prosecute drug offenses involving 5-MeO-AMT in the same manner as offenses involving 5-MeO-DIPT and AMT. (See 21 U.S.C. § 802(32) for the definition of a controlled substance analog(ue).)

     

Other products of interest:

Check out Fast Facts on:

  • AMT
  • Crack cocaine
  • Crystal methamphetamine
  • Drug abuse and mental illness
  • Drug-facilitated sexual assault
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Drugs and gangs
  • Drugs and the internet
  • DXM
  • Fentanyl
  • Foxy
  • Fry
  • GHB and analogs
  • Heroin
  • Inhalants
  • Jimsonweed
  • Ketamine
  • Khat
  • LSD
  • Marijuana
  • MDMA
  • Methadone
  • Methamphetamine
  • Meth lab ID and hazards
  • OxyContin
  • PCP
  • Powdered cocaine
  • Prescription drugs
  • Psilocybin
  • Ritalin
  • Rohypnol
  • Salvia divinorum
  • Steroids
  • Teens and drugs
  • Triple C
  • Yaba

Also available from NDIC:

  • Huffing--The Abuse of Inhalants
  • Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth
  • Drugs, Youth, and the Internet

For more information on illicit drugs check out our web site at: www.usdoj.gov/ndic.  Call 814-532-4541 to request NDIC products.

  

Contact us

Our addresses:

National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901-1622
  Telephone: 814-532-4601
  FAX: 814-532-4690

NDIC Washington Liaison Office
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
McLean, VA 22102-3840
  Telephone: 703-556-8970
  FAX: 703-556-7807

NDIC publications are available on the following web sites:

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LEO: home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic
RISS: ndic.riss.net
INTERNET: www.usdoj.gov/ndic

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End of document.