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4-MTA: a new synthetic drug on the dance scene

Adam R Winstock1, Kim Wolff, John Ramsey

  • 1National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Addiction Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, SE5 8AF, London, UK. kwolff@iop.kcl.ac.uk

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|July 4, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Four-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA) is a dangerous amphetamine derivative linked to fatalities. This study surveyed over 1000 ecstasy users, finding 10% believed they had used 4-MTA, often heavy users.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Social Sciences

Background:

  • 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA) is a novel synthetic amphetamine derivative.
  • It has been associated with six fatalities since its 1997 identification in Europe.
  • Marketed as 'ecstasy' or 'Flatliners', 4-MTA functions as a potent serotonin releaser, similar to MDMA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of 4-MTA use among dance drug users.
  • To understand the user demographics and perceived effects of 4-MTA.

Main Methods:

  • A magazine survey utilizing a self-nominated sampling methodology.
  • Over 1000 dance drug users were surveyed.

Main Results:

  • Ten percent of respondents reported believing they had used 4-MTA.
  • Users who had tried 4-MTA were typically heavy 'ecstasy' users.
  • Reported effects of 4-MTA were mixed, with approximately 25% indicating willingness to use it again.

Conclusions:

  • 4-MTA use appears concentrated within a sub-population of frequent ecstasy users.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand the risks and user perceptions of 4-MTA.

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