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[Intoxation with paramethoxymethamphetamine]
Muhammad S Al-Samarraie1, Merete Vevelstad, Ilah Le Nygaard
1Avdeling for farmakologisk og toksikologisk fortolkning, Divisjon for rettsmedisin og rusmiddelforskning, Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Norway. muhammad.al-samarraie@fhi.no
Paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) and paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) are dangerous designer amphetamines. Suspect PMMA/PMA intoxication in severe cases of suspected ecstasy or amphetamine overdose.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Context:
- Designer amphetamines, paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) and paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), are intermittently available on illicit drug markets.
- These substances are frequently misrepresented as ecstasy or amphetamine, often adulterated with other stimulants.
- An epidemic of PMMA-related fatalities occurred in Norway starting in the summer of 2010.
Purpose:
- To review the pharmacology and toxicology of PMMA and PMA.
- To highlight the risks associated with these designer amphetamines.
Summary:
- PMMA and PMA are potent serotonergic agents with significant toxicity.
- Street names include "Death"; they are associated with numerous worldwide fatalities, even at typical user doses.
- Their less pronounced narcotic effects and slow onset can lead to accidental overdosing.
Impact:
- Clinicians should consider PMMA/PMA intoxication in severe overdose cases initially attributed to amphetamine or ecstasy.
- Increased awareness of PMMA/PMA risks is crucial for public health and harm reduction efforts.
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