What does AMT look like?

What is AMT?

How is AMT used?

Who abuses AMT?

What is AMT? What are the risks?

What does AMT look like?

AMT is a common name for a 

synthetic drug with the chemical 

name alpha-methyltryptamine. 

Abused for the hallucinogenic and 

stimulative effects it produces, AMT 

belongs to a class of chemical 

compounds known as tryptamines. 

Other hallucinogenic tryptamines 

include 5-MeO-DIPT (5-methoxy-N, 

N-diisopropyltryptamine, also 

known as foxy), psilocybin, and 

psilocyn.

AMT is available as a powder, 

which may be packaged in small 

glass or plastic vials. The powder 

also can be pressed into tablets or 

placed in capsules. Some capsules 

What does AMT look like?

What is AMT?

How is AMT used?

Who abuses AMT?

What is AMT? What are the risks?

What does AMT look like?

AMT is a common name for a 

synthetic drug with the chemical 

name alpha-methyltryptamine. 

Abused for the hallucinogenic and 

stimulative effects it produces, AMT 

belongs to a class of chemical 

compounds known as tryptamines. 

Other hallucinogenic tryptamines 

include 5-MeO-DIPT (5-methoxy-N, 

N-diisopropyltryptamine, also 

known as foxy), psilocybin, and 

psilocyn.

AMT is available as a powder, 

which may be packaged in small 

glass or plastic vials. The powder 

also can be pressed into tablets or 

placed in capsules. Some capsules 

and tablets contain AMT powder 

mixed with colored powders. 

Tablets sometimes are embossed 

with logos.

AMT typically is consumed 

orally in 15- to 40-milligram 

dosages, although dosage 

amounts vary widely. The drug 

also may be administered via 

snorting or smoking. Users typically begin to feel the drug’s 

effects within 3 to 4 hours after 

administration. The hallucinogenic and stimulative effects 

generally subside after 12 to 24 

hours but may last up to 2 days.

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. AMT 

also is used at private parties.

How is AMT used?

Who abuses AMT?

What are the risks?

AMT produces various negative 

physical and psychological effects 

in users. Physical effects include 

visual and auditory disturbances 

and distortions, increased blood 

pressure, blurry vision, dilated 

pupils, and nausea. Psychological 

effects associated with the use of 

AMT include terrifying hallucinations, emotional distress, nervousness, tension, irritability, 

restlessness, and inability to 

sleep. AMT also diminishes user 

inhibitions, which can result in 

high-risk sexual activity or accidental injury. Overdoses of AMT 

can lead to death.

IT-290

3-IT

Spirals

3-(2-aminopropyl)indole

Other Names for AMT

DEA
Fast Facts

AMT

For more information on illicit drugs 

check out our web site at:

Other products of interest:

www.usdoj.gov/ndic

Cover photo: Marysville (OH) Police.

NDIC Product No. 2004-L0559-003

National Drug Intelligence Center

a component of the 

U.S. Department of Justice

052504

Call 814-532-4541 

to request NDIC products

www.usdoj.gov/ndic

Questions 

and 

Answers

Other products of interest:

For more information on illicit drugs 

check out our web site at:

www.usdoj.gov/ndic 

Call 814-532-4541 

to request NDIC products

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Telephone: 814-532-4601

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AMT

Check out Fast Facts on:

Is AMT illegal?

:

+ 5-MeO-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

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, Meth lab ID and 

hazards

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, Powdered cocaine

, Prescription drugs

, Psilocybin

, Ritalin

, Rohypnol

, Salvia divinorum

, Steroids

, Teens and drugs

, Triple C

, Yaba

Is AMT illegal?

Yes, AMT is illegal. In April 2003 

the Drug Enforcement Administration 

(DEA) temporarily designated AMT a 

Schedule I substance under the 

Controlled Substances Act. Schedule 

I drugs, which include heroin and 

MDMA, have a high potential for 

abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose in the United States.