Alpha-Methyltryptamine

α-Methyl-tryptamine, also known as alpha-methyltryptamine, α-MT, AMT or IT-290, is a synthetic drug of the tryptamine family. First developed as an antidepressant, in the 1960s it was produced commercially for this purpose in the Soviet Union under the trade name "Indopan" in 5mg and 10mg pills. Like many other tryptamines, at sufficient dosages it is a psychedelic hallucinogen. Its effects may take 2-3 hours to onset, and can last for 18 to 24 hours. It also acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and a stimulant. On 4 April 2003, an emergency United States DEA order resulted in α-MT being placed, along with 5-MeO-DIPT, on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

AMT is legal in the UK and does not fall under the tryptamine clause as its substitution is not on the nitrogen. See the 2001 Misuse of Drugs Act : Schedule 1, regulation 3 (as of Mar 2004)

Chemistry
AMT is chemically related to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. It acts by mimicking the effects of serotonin at the 5-HT2 receptor and by interfering with neurotransmitter reuptake and degradation mechanisms. α-MT has a stereocenter, and S-(+)-α-MT is the more active stereoisomer.

Dosage
An oral dosage of 5-10mg will produce a stimulating effect, and 20-30mg usually results in hallucinogenic effects that can last 24 hours. While a dosage of 60-80mg is generally considered a strong dosage, some users have been known to use large amounts of α-MT, and report dosages of up to 150mg being taken. The freebase can also be smoked, and 5-20mg is generally used.

Effects
AMT is a long-acting psychedelic/euphoric stimulant. It is known to cause nausea and vomiting in many recreational users. Erowid lists the following effects:

Positive

 * increase in energy (stimulation)
 * mood lift, smiling
 * visual patterning and closed eye visuals
 * increased awareness & appreciation of music
 * empathogenic qualities

Neutral

 * general change in consciousness (as with most psychoactives)
 * blurred vision
 * restlessness
 * yawning
 * pupil dilation

Negative

 * anxiety, tension
 * nausea and vomiting
 * decrease in coordination
 * muscle aching
 * headaches
 * jaw clenching (trisma)

Deaths
There have been at least two reported deaths due to AMT use. The first was a 21 year old in Alabama and the second a 22 year old FIU student in Miami. There are accounts of a third death, but there are currently no verifiable media reports.