5-MeO-MDA
5-MeO-MDA (3-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxyamphetamine) is a psychedelic-leaning phenethylamine straddling the entactogen and hallucinogen categories. Structurally an MDA analog with an added methoxy group, it is reported to combine empathogenic warmth with more psychedelic character. Human data are minimal.
01 Overview
5-MeO-MDA was among the amphetamine psychedelics explored by Alexander Shulgin, described in PiHKAL as producing mixed entactogenic and mild psychedelic effects. It is more overtly hallucinogenic than MDMA but less than classic phenethylamine psychedelics.
There is very little modern human pharmacology or safety data. As a serotonergic phenethylamine it carries neurotoxicity and serotonin-syndrome risk. It is controlled or analog-covered in many jurisdictions.
02 Mechanism
Serotonergic phenethylamine combining monoamine release with 5-HT2A receptor agonism, producing blended entactogenic and psychedelic effects.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 50–80 mg | Oral | PiHKAL-range estimate |
| Common | 80–150 mg | Oral | Approximate; limited data |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blended entactogenic-psychedelic effectEmotional warmth combined with more visual and cognitive alteration than MDMA. | Moderate | Anecdotal | |
| Mild visual distortion5-HT2A activity contributes light psychedelic visuals. | Mild-moderate | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serotonin syndromeSerotonergic activity can precipitate serotonin toxicity in combination. | Life-threatening | Rare, elevated with serotonergic drugs | Unconfirmed | |
| Anxiety and confusionPsychedelic component can produce anxiety or disorientation. | Moderate | Common at higher doses | Anecdotal | |
| Serotonergic neurotoxicityTheoretical axonal neurotoxicity shared with the MDA class. | Severe | Theoretical | Preclinical |