Research chemicalStimulantResearch chemicalAmphetamine

PMMA (para-Methoxymethamphetamine)

Also known as PMMA · para-Methoxymethamphetamine · 4-Methoxymethamphetamine · Dr. Death

Written by enwyReviewed 4 Aug 20261 sources0 comments

PMMA (para-methoxymethamphetamine) is the N-methyl analogue of PMA and is similarly deadly. Like PMA it has a slow, deceptive onset that drives fatal redosing, potent serotonergic and MAO-inhibiting activity, and has caused numerous deaths after being sold as MDMA.

01 Overview

PMMA is closely related to PMA and shares its lethal pharmacology: strong serotonin release, monoamine oxidase inhibition and a dangerously delayed onset. It has repeatedly been found in tablets sold as ecstasy and is responsible for waves of poisonings and deaths across Europe.

As with PMA, the killing mechanism is the delayed onset: users take a dose, feel little, redose, and then suffer overwhelming serotonin toxicity and hyperthermia all at once. This must be stated plainly: PMMA has caused many fatal overdoses precisely because it feels weak at first and tempts redosing. Combinations with other serotonergic drugs are especially dangerous because of its MAO-inhibiting activity.

02 Mechanism

Serotonin-releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor with monoamine oxidase inhibition, causing serotonin accumulation, hyperthermia and cardiovascular toxicity; onset is markedly delayed.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Threshold	30–70 mg	Oral	There is no safe dose. Delayed onset makes redosing extremely dangerous; deaths have occurred at doses users believed were modest.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Delayed, MDMA-like effectsSlow onset that tempts premature redosing, the central cause of fatalities.	onset often >1 hour	Observational
Stimulation and warmthEmpathogenic stimulation once effects finally set in.		Observational

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
Fatal hyperthermiaLife-threatening rise in body temperature, the leading cause of PMMA death.	Life-threatening	Common at active/overdose levels	Observational
Serotonin syndromeRigidity, agitation, hyperthermia and seizures, worsened by serotonergic combinations.	Life-threatening	Common	Observational
Cardiovascular collapseSevere arrhythmia and collapse.	Life-threatening	Common	Observational

06 Legal status

United States

Schedule I

Controlled substance. · as of Jan 2026

United Kingdom

Class A

Controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

PMMA-related fatalities in ecstasy tabletsPubMed search

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.