MDA

Description

MDA is a man-made (synthetic) recreational drug noted for its stimulant and psychedelic properties that has been used since the 1960s as a clubbing and sex-enhancing substance, with some similarities to LSD and MDMA (ecstasy).

MDA produces noticeably stronger visual and perceptual effects than MDMA with more affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and is closer to a mild psychedelic experience than an MDMA empathogenic experience. MDA’s stimulant and psychedelic profile are more prominent alongside the empathogenic ones which some users find harder to handle, especially at higher doses. It typically lasts 6-8 hours, significantly longer than MDMA’s 3-5 hours meaning a redose taken on the same timeline as MDMA could overlap unpredictably. It is often described as having a slower less clear onset, coming up more gradually, making it harder to judge when the peak has been reached. It often causes a rougher, amphetamine like, comedown.

Pharmacology

MDA belongs to the phenethylamine/amphetamine family and is structurally the N-desmethyl analogue of MDMA, essentially MDMA with one less methyl group, which accounts for much of the overlap, and difference, in their effects.

Two optical isomers of MDA exist. These are mirror image versions of the molecule. One version (the S-MDA) is more potent than the other (R-MDA), and possesses more psychoactive stimulant properties, similar to MDMA. S-MDA has greater affinity for the three monoamine transporters and generally considered the isomer responsible for MDA’s amphetamine like character. R- MDA is seen as milder and more psychedelic

Shulgin describes the effects of this version as ‘more peaceful and MDMA-like’ at lower doses. Generally, MDA is longer lasting than MDMA with expected effects between 6-8 hours. MDA acts on three transporter molecules in the brain, SERT, NET and DAT that cause an increase in the serotonin, norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and dopamine neurotransmitters, (an SNDRA), and is also an agonist at the serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors, with additional affinity for several adrenergic and serotonin receptor subtypes. Serotonin release is thought to underlie its empathogenic/entactogenic effects, dopamine release its euphoric and reinforcing effects, and combined dopamine/norepinephrine release its stimulant effects, while direct 5-HT2A agonism is thought to drive its psychedelic effects. This direct receptor agonism is a key reason MDA's psychedelic component is more pronounced than MDMA's.

Onset of action of MDA is typically roughly 20–65 minutes, with peak effects around 2 hours after dosing. The elimination half-life is approximately 8–11 hours, with a duration of action of 5–8 hours (occasionally up to 10- notably longer than MDMA). Interestingly, this longer duration compared with MDMA appears to be a pharmacodynamic difference rather than a pharmacokinetic one as MDA's effects rely relatively more on 5-HT2A receptor agonism than on serotonin release itself, which is part of why it "feels" different rather than just "lasts longer" in a simple dose-response sense. Metabolism is hepatic, involving cytochrome P450 enzymes, with renal excretion.

There is some evidence of MDA producing serotonergic neurotoxic effects in animal studies, possibly due to its metabolism. This is similar to contested, dose dependent concerns raised about MDMA.

Harm Reduction

• Start low, go slow: MDA is longer-acting than MDMA — wait to feel the full effects before considering more, as redosing too soon risks stacking a slow-onset drug and overshooting.
• Be careful mixing: especially with other serotonergic drugs (MDMA, SSRIs) or MAOIs — the combination raises the risk of serotonin syndrome and dangerous blood pressure spikes
• Stay hydrated but don't overdo it: drink water regularly, especially if dancing, but avoid excessive fluid intake, which risks hyponatraemia.
• Watch body temperature: take breaks from dancing/hot environments to cool down.
• Be aware of the comedown: low mood, fatigue and low motivation are common for a day or two afterwards.
• MDA appears to be more physiologically toxic than MDMA at high doses. Acute toxicity can present as agitation, sweating, high blood pressure and heart rate, hyperthermia and, in severe cases, convulsions.
• Test your stuff: Purity and adulterants in the illicit supply vary, and MDA has been misrepresented as MDMA and vice versa. Samples can be sent to WEDINOS (wedinos.wales) for testing, or reagents picked up at our Harm Reduction Hub.

History

MDA was first synthesised in 1910 by G. Mannish and W. Jacobson making it older than its better-known relative MDMA, which followed two years later. Its psychoactive effects were not noticed until Gorden Alles self experimented with it. First human trials for MDA was in 1941 in order to investigate any medicinal qualities for Parkinson’s syndrome, and later if it could be used as an anti-depressant.

On the 8th of January, 1953, the first MDA overdose was recorded during an experiment funded by the U.S army, whom were working on finding a truth serum. MDA continued to be studied and was patented as a cough suppressant in 1958 and then as an appetite suppressant and by the 60’s MDA began to be used recreationally and slowly grew in popularity.

In 1992 a large batch of white pills spread across Europe in the rave scene and became notorious for containing MDA instead of MDMA, being high dose (reported at ≈ 200mg) and causing extraordinary hallucinations. These pills became known as “Snowballs”.

Law

• Class A
• Schedule 1

Possible offences

• Possession
  • Maximum sentence – 7 years imprisonment, a fine, or both
• Possession With Intent To Supply
  • Maximum sentence – life imprisonment, a fine, or both
• Supply (including being concerned in supply, conspiracy to supply, aggravated supply and offer to supply)
  • Maximum sentence – life imprisonment, a fine, or both
• Production
  • Maximum sentence – life imprisonment, a fine, or both

In practice maximum sentences are rarely used, for more detailed and accurate information go to our sentencing page.