Research chemicalResearch chemicalEntactogenAminoindane

MMAI

Also known as 5-methoxy-6-methyl-2-aminoindane

Written by enwyReviewed 4 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

MMAI (5-methoxy-6-methyl-2-aminoindane) is an aminoindane developed as a highly selective serotonin-releasing agent with essentially no dopamine release. It is a research tool producing MDMA-like empathogenic effects without classical stimulation or euphoria. Human data is minimal.

01 Overview

MMAI was developed by Nichols and colleagues as one of the most serotonin-selective releasers known, used in laboratory studies of serotonergic function. Its near-exclusive serotonin release gives a distinctly non-stimulant, non-euphoric entactogenic profile, and it has been studied as a potential non-neurotoxic MDMA alternative.

Human recreational data is scarce and mostly anecdotal. Because it lacks dopaminergic reward, abuse potential is thought to be very low, but serotonergic hazards - hyperthermia and serotonin toxicity, especially in combination - still apply.

02 Mechanism

Highly selective serotonin-releasing agent with negligible dopamine or norepinephrine release, producing entactogenic effects without classical stimulant reward.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Light	20–50 mg	Oral	Very sparse data; research-derived estimates.
Common	50–100 mg	Oral	Empathogenic but non-euphoric per limited reports.
Strong	100–150 mg	Oral	Serotonergic risk rises; poorly characterised.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Selective empathyEmotional openness and warmth without the stimulant push of MDMA.		Anecdotal
Calm sociabilityRelaxed, prosocial state.		Anecdotal
Absence of euphoriaSerotonin selectivity means little classical reward or stimulation.		Preclinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
NeurotoxicityStudied as potentially non-neurotoxic in animals, but human effects remain UNCONFIRMED.	Moderate	Unknown in humans	Unconfirmed
HyperthermiaPlausible given potent serotonin release.	Severe	Unknown in humans	Unconfirmed
Serotonin syndromeTheoretical from potent serotonin release; poorly documented in humans.	Life-threatening	Uncommon; notable with serotonergic co-use	Unconfirmed

06 Legal status

United Kingdom

Psychoactive Substances Act 2016

Production/supply prohibited. · as of Jan 2026

United States

Not federally scheduled

Possible Federal Analogue Act coverage. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

MMAI: a selective serotonin-releasing agent (Nichols et al.)PubMed search

New psychoactive substances - aminoindanesEUDA (EMCDDA)

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.