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5-MeO-AMT
Basics
by Erowid
DESCRIPTION #
5-MeO-AMT is a long-acting tryptamine active at very low doses. It is generally available in either powder, tablet, or liquid form. Partially because of its low dosage and partially because of name confusion with the less-potent AMT, reports of accidental overly strong doses are fairly common. There are a handful of hospitalization reports and an unconfirmed death associated with 5-MeO-AMT. It is generally considered less pleasant, less fun, and more dangerous than AMT.
There is very little data about appropriate dosages for 5-MeO-AMT. Based on TiHKAL commentaries and a small number of experience reports normal oral doses appear to be in the range of 2-6 mg.
Price #
150-200 per gram (March 2004), sold at parties and clubs for $5-20 USD for a single 3-4 mg dose, averaging around $10.
5-MeO-AMT is not specifically scheduled in the United States meaning it is not technically illegal to possess. It is possible that sales or possession could be prosecuted under the Analog Act, although we are unaware of any such cases. To the best of our knowledge, 5-MeO-AMT is not currently scheduled in any other country.
5-MeO-AMT is a synthetic tryptamine.
Pharmacology #
Pharmacology Summary Needed.
Production #
The bulk of available 5-MeO-AMT is produced by experienced chemists in commercial labs.
History #
5-MeO-AMT's chemistry was first published in an article by Shulgin and Nichols in 1978, titled Characterization of three new psychotomimetics. The next publication we know of to mention it is Alexander Shulgin's book TiHKAL published in 1997 and the first instance we have heard of it being available on the underground market was unconfirmed reports that it was sold in fall of 1999 as pressed tablets.
Terminology / Slang #
The Substance:
5-MeO-AMT; Alpha-O; Saturn5; VX.
The Experience:
Tripping.
Effects Summary Needed.
Onset #
Depending on how much and how recently one has eaten food, 5-MeO-AMT takes approximately 30-90 minutes to take effect. On a full stomach, onset can be considerably slower. Most of the unpleasant and dagnerous reports we have received have involved insufflation.
Duration #
5-MeO-AMT's primary effects last 6-10 hours for most people at moderate (2-5 mg) doses, but can last as long as 12 hours with another 4-6 hours of after effects. At higher doses, the effects can last another 4-8 hours for some people.
Visual Effects #
Visuals Summary Needed.
The most common problem reported with 5-MeO-AMT is overdosing as a result of confusing between AMT and 5-MeO-AMT. These are two different substances but many people, including vendors, have confused the two. 5-MeO-AMT is active at considerably lower doses than AMT. A full dose of 5-MeO-AMT is 1-6 mg. A full dose of AMT is 15-50 mg. Taking 15-50 mg of 5-MeO-AMT could result in serious injury or death. We have received reports of hospitalizations and one possible death resulting from this confusion.
Contraindications #
  • Do not take 5-MeO-AMT if you are currently taking an MAOI. MAOIs are most commonly found in the prescription anti-depressants Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Eldepryl (l-deprenyl), and Aurorex or Manerix (moclobemide). Ayahuasca also contains MAOIs (harmine and harmaline). 5-MeO-AMT and MAOIs are a potentially dangerous combination. Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether your prescription medication is an MAOI
  • Do not operate heavy machinery. Do Not Drive.
  • If you have a seizure or convulsive disorder or heart problems, you may be at higher risk for health problems when taking 5-MeO-AMT. Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar closely as there have been some reports of problems.
  • Individuals currently in the midst of emotional or psychological upheaval in their everyday lives should be careful about choosing to use psychedelics such as 5-MeO-AMT as they can trigger even more difficulty.
  • Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or early onset mental illness should be extremely careful because psychedelics have been known to trigger latent psychological and mental problems.
Addiction Potential #
5-MeO-AMT is unlikely to be physically addicting and unlikely to cause psychological dependence. Withdrawal effects following discontinuation have not been reported. We have received no reports of regular, heavy use of 5-MeO-AMT.
Long Term Health Problems #
Long Term Health Problems Summary Needed.
Risk of Death #
Risk of Death Summary Needed.
CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid Basics pages are summaries of data gathered from site visitors, government documents, books, websites, and other resources. We do our best to keep this information correct and up-to-date, but the field is complex and constantly changing. Information should always be verified through multiple sources.