page_title: Para-Methoxy-N-methylamphetamine
section_title: Recreational use
hierarchical_section_title: Para-Methoxy-N-methylamphetamine / Recreational use
caption_attribution_description: English: PMMA (para-methoxymethamphetamine) tablets seized in Maryland, USA
context_page_description: para-Methoxy-N-methylamphetamine, chemically known as methyl-MA, 4-methoxy-N-methylamphetamine, 4-MMA or is a stimulant and psychedelic drug closely related to the amphetamine-class serotonergic drug para-methoxyamphetamine. PMMA is the 4-methoxy analog of methamphetamine. Little is known about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of PMMA; because of its structural similarity to PMA, which has known toxicity in humans, it is thought to have considerable potential to cause harmful side effects or death in overdose. In the early 2010s, a number of deaths in users of the drug MDMA were linked to misrepresented tablets and capsules of PMMA.
  Its effects in humans are reputedly similar to those of PMA, but slightly more empathogenic in nature. It has a reduced tendency to produce severe hyperthermia at low dosages, but at higher dosages side effects and risk of death becomes similar to those of PMA.
  The synthesis and effects of PMMA were described by American experimental chemist Alexander Shulgin in his book PiHKAL, where it is referred to by the name "methyl-MA", as the N-methylated form of 4-MA.
context_section_description: PMMA has been found in tablets and capsules of the MDMA sold as "ecstasy". A number of deaths have been attributed to tablets sold as ecstasy that contained other substances, such as PMMA's structural analog, PMA. Death can occur when an ecstasy user believes they are consuming recreational doses of MDMA, when they are in fact consuming a lethal dose of another substance with similar effects. PMA is of particular concern because it not only causes a release of serotonin but also acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); if it is used in combination with MDMA or another MDMA-like substance, serotonin syndrome can result.
  PMMA can be detected with pill testing kits.
caption: Tablets of PMMA recovered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
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