This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-11T15:14:44Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.
'''para-Methoxymethamphetamine''' (also known as '''4-methoxymethamphetamine''', '''4-MeOMA''', inaccurately as '''"4-MMA"''' (which should instead be reserved for [[4-MMA]] (4-MeMA) instead) and more commonly as '''PMMA''') is a highly dangerous and toxic synthetic substance of the [[Chemical class::amphetamine]] class that is closely related to [[PMA]]. Like PMA, it is known for producing extremely dangerous, life-threatening side effects. At lower dosages, its effects are somewhat different from PMA, with reduced tendency to cause severe [[Increased bodily temperature|hyperthermia]] while producing more [[entactogenic]] effects that can be mistaken for [[MDMA]] (although at higher dosages it does have the same risk as PMA). Its history of use is unknown, but it has appeared more frequently in the 2000s and 2010s. It is generally less potent than PMA.
|-
| ''[[PMMA/Summary|Summary sheet: PMMA]]''
'''PMMA, along with other drugs like [[PMA]] and [[PMEA]] have very little recreational value and are considered as one of the most dangerous and toxic substances known. It is strongly recommended that these two substances should be completely avoided.'''
|}
'''PMMA''' (also known as '''para-Methoxymethamphetamine''' or '''4-MMA''') is a highly dangerous and toxic drug of the [[Chemical class::Amphetamine|amphetamine]] class, which is closely related to [[PMA]]. Like PMA, it has extremely dangerous side effects, which can result in death. At lower dosages, its effects are somewhat different from PMA, with reduced tendency to cause severe [[Increased bodily temperature|hyperthermia]] and producing more [[entactogen]]ic effects, although at higher dosages it does have the same risk as PMA. Its history of use is unknown, but it has appeared more frequently in the 2000s and 2010s. It is generally less potent than PMA. '''PMMA, along with [[PMA]] have very little recreational value and are considered as one of the most dangerous and toxic substances known. It is strongly recommended that these two drugs should be completely avoided.'''
==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
PMMA (para-Methoxymethamphetamine or 4-MMA) is a molecule of the [[substituted amphetamine|amphetamine]] class. Molecules of the amphetamine class contain a phenethylamine core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH<sub>2</sub>) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at R<sub>α</sub>. It contains a methoxy (OCH<sub>3</sub>) functional group bound to the R<sub>4</sub> carbon of the phenyl ring, as well as a methyl substitution at R<sub>N</sub>. It is the methylated version of [[PMA]] and the 4-Methoxy analog of [[Methamphetamine]].
PMMA (para-Methoxymethamphetamine or 4-MMA) is a molecule of the [[substituted amphetamine]] class. Molecules of the amphetamine class contain a phenethylamine core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH<sub>2</sub>) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at R<sub>α</sub>. It contains a methoxy (OCH<sub>3</sub>) functional group bound to the R<sub>4</sub> carbon of the phenyl ring, as well as a methyl substitution at R<sub>N</sub>. PMMA is the N-methylated version of [[PMA]] and the 4-Methoxy analog of [[Methamphetamine]].
==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
Line 22:
Line 21:
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
===Physical effects===
{{effects/base
|{{effects/physical|
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, PMMA is commonly regarded as moderately stimulating and energetic exclusively at lower dosages.
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, PMMA is commonly regarded as moderately stimulating and energetic exclusively at lower dosages.
*'''[[Effect::Abnormal heartbeat]]''' - Accelerated and abnormal heartbeats are extremely common with PMMA.
*'''[[Effect::Abnormal heartbeat]]''' - Accelerated and abnormal heartbeats are extremely common with PMMA.
Line 32:
Line 32:
*'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased perspiration]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased perspiration]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' and '''vomiting''' - This is common at any dose.
*'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' and '''Vomiting''' - This is common at any dose.
*'''[[Effect::Pupil dilation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Pupil dilation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Rapid breathing]]''' - People commonly report "not being able to breathe".
*'''[[Effect::Rapid breathing]]''' - People commonly report "not being able to breathe".
Line 41:
Line 41:
*'''[[Effect::Vibrating vision]]''' - This effect is generally more frequent than with [[MDMA]].
*'''[[Effect::Vibrating vision]]''' - This effect is generally more frequent than with [[MDMA]].
===Cognitive effects===
}}
|{{effects/cognitive|
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety]]''' or '''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - This depends greatly on the dosage, as higher dosages are almost guaranteed to bring anxiety, due to all the adverse effects.
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety]]''' or '''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - This depends greatly on the dosage, as higher dosages are almost guaranteed to bring anxiety, due to all the adverse effects.
*'''[[Effect::Empathy, love and sociability enhancement]]''' - This effect is only present at lower doses and its much less pronounced than with [[MDMA]].
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' or '''[[Effect::Cognitive dysphoria]]''' - This depends greatly on the dosage, as higher dosages are almost guaranteed to bring dysphoria, due to all the adverse effects.
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' or '''[[Effect::Cognitive dysphoria]]''' - This depends greatly on the dosage, as higher dosages are almost guaranteed to bring dysphoria, due to all the adverse effects.
*'''[[Effect::Dream suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dream suppression]]'''
Line 48:
Line 53:
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''
===Visual effects===
}}
{{effects/visual|
At moderate to high dosages, PMMA is capable of producing typically mild or moderate visual distortions, which are usually more common and pronounced than with [[MDMA]], but significantly less when compared with most [[psychedelics]], such as [[2C-B]] or [[LSD]].
At moderate to high dosages, PMMA is capable of producing typically mild or moderate visual distortions, which are usually more common and pronounced than with [[MDMA]], but significantly less when compared with most [[psychedelics]], such as [[2C-B]] or [[LSD]].
Line 57:
Line 63:
*'''[[Effect::Visual drifting|Drifting]]''' ''([[Visual drifting#Melting|melting]], [[Visual drifting#Breathing|breathing]], [[Visual drifting#Morphing|morphing]] and [[Visual drifting#Flowing|flowing]])'' - This effects is more pronounced than it is with [[MDMA]].
*'''[[Effect::Visual drifting|Drifting]]''' ''([[Visual drifting#Melting|melting]], [[Visual drifting#Breathing|breathing]], [[Visual drifting#Morphing|morphing]] and [[Visual drifting#Flowing|flowing]])'' - This effects is more pronounced than it is with [[MDMA]].
*'''[[Effect::Tracers]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Tracers]]'''
}}
}}
===Experience reports===
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here:
PMMA and its relative [[PMA]] [[Toxicity::can be considered extremely toxic when compared to other substances such as [[Methamphetamine]] or [[MDMA]] ]]. [[Toxicity::Ingestion of PMMA has been associated with severe tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate), [[seizure |seizures]], [[dehydration]], [[increased bodily temperature|hyperthermia]], and death]]. PMMA has a relatively slow onset, causing many users to redose which causes excess toxicity.
PMMA and its relative [[PMA]] [[Toxicity::can be considered extremely toxic when compared to other substances such as [[Methamphetamine]] or [[MDMA]] ]]. [[Toxicity::Ingestion of PMMA has been associated with severe tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate), [[seizure |seizures]], [[dehydration]], [[increased bodily temperature|hyperthermia]], and death]]. PMMA has a relatively slow onset, causing many users to redose which causes excess toxicity.
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug.
It is strongly recommended that one use [[harm reduction practices]] if choosing to use this substance.
==Legal issues==
==Legal status==
*'''Canada:''' PMMA is a Schedule I substance.
In February 2002, the European Council decided that PMMA shall be subjected by the Member States to control measures and criminal penalties within three months.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2002:063:0014:0014:EN:PDF|date=February 28, 2002|publication-date=March 6, 2003|work=Official Journal of the European Union|page=14|id=L 63|publisher=Office for Official Publications of the European Communites|oclc=52224955|title=Council Decision concerning control measures and criminal sanctions in respect of the new synthetic drug PMMA}}</ref>
*'''Germany:''' PMMA is an Anlage I controlled substance.
*'''United States:''' PMMA is unscheduled, but can be considered an analog of PMA under the Federal Analog Act.
*'''Austria''': PMMA is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the SMG (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich).{{citation needed}}
*'''United Kingdom:''' PMMA is a Class A drug.
*'''Brazil''': Possession, production and sale is illegal as it is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.<ref>http://portal.anvisa.gov.br/documents/10181/3115436/%281%29RDC_130_2016_.pdf/fc7ea407-3ff5-4fc1-bcfe-2f37504d28b7</ref>
*'''Switzerland:''' PMMA is illegal in Switzerland.<ref>https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/201512010000/812.121.11.pdf</ref>
*'''Canada''': PMMA is a Schedule I substance.{{citation needed}}
*'''France''': PMMA is scheduled as a "stupéfiant", i.e. a recognized drug of abuse. It is illegal to possess, buy, sell or manufacture.<ref>{{Citation | title=Arrêté du 22 février 1990 fixant la liste des substances classées comme stupéfiants | url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000000533085/2020-11-20/}}</ref>
*'''Germany''': PMMA is controlled under Anlage I BtMG (Narcotics Act, Schedule I) as of October 10, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?start=%2F%2F*%5B%40attr_id%3D%27bgbl100s1414b.pdf%27%5D#__bgbl__%2F%2F*%5B%40attr_id%3D%27bgbl100s1414b.pdf%27%5D__1576702069328|title=Vierzehnte Verordnung zur Änderung betäubungsmittelrechtlicher Vorschriften|publisher=Bundesanzeiger Verlag|access-date=December 18, 2019|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html|title=Anlage I BtMG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 18, 2019|language=de}}</ref> It is illegal to manufacture, possess, import, export, buy, sell, procure or dispense it without a license.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/__29.html|title=§ 29 BtMG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 18, 2019|language=de}}</ref>
*'''Switzerland''': PMMA is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis D.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/index.html|title=Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien|publisher=Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]|access-date=January 1, 2020|language=de}}</ref>
*'''United Kingdom''': PMMA is a Class A drug.{{citation needed}}
*'''United States''': PMMA is a Schedule I drug as of July 26th, 2021.<ref>https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/25/2021-13460/schedules-of-controlled-substances-placement-of-para-methoxymethamphetamine-pmma-in-schedule-i</ref>
PMMA can cause serious side effects even at moderate doses, such as hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome, which can easily result in death or hospitalization.
As a result, it is strongly discouraged to use this substance. Please see this section for more details.
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
para-Methoxymethamphetamine (also known as 4-methoxymethamphetamine, 4-MeOMA, inaccurately as "4-MMA" (which should instead be reserved for 4-MMA (4-MeMA) instead) and more commonly as PMMA) is a highly dangerous and toxic synthetic substance of the amphetamine class that is closely related to PMA. Like PMA, it is known for producing extremely dangerous, life-threatening side effects. At lower dosages, its effects are somewhat different from PMA, with reduced tendency to cause severe hyperthermia while producing more entactogenic effects that can be mistaken for MDMA (although at higher dosages it does have the same risk as PMA). Its history of use is unknown, but it has appeared more frequently in the 2000s and 2010s. It is generally less potent than PMA.
PMMA, along with other drugs like PMA and PMEA have very little recreational value and are considered as one of the most dangerous and toxic substances known. It is strongly recommended that these two substances should be completely avoided.
PMMA (para-Methoxymethamphetamine or 4-MMA) is a molecule of the substituted amphetamine class. Molecules of the amphetamine class contain a phenethylamine core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at Rα. It contains a methoxy (OCH3) functional group bound to the R4 carbon of the phenyl ring, as well as a methyl substitution at RN. PMMA is the N-methylated version of PMA and the 4-Methoxy analog of Methamphetamine.
PMMA, like PMA most likely acts as a selective serotonin releasing agent (SSRA) with weak effects on dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. However, relative to MDMA, it is considerably less effective as a releaser of serotonin with properties more akin to a reuptake inhibitor in comparison. It evokes robust hyperthermia while producing only modest hyperactivity and serotonergic neurotoxicity, substantially lower than that caused by MDMA. Anecdotal reports suggest it is not particularly euphoric at all, perhaps even dysphoric in contrast. PMMA has also been shown to act as a potent, reversible inhibitor of the enzyme MAO-A with no significant effects on MAO-B, and the combination of this property and serotonin release is likely responsible for its high lethality potential. It is likely metabolized to PMA, just like methamphetamine is metabolized to amphetamine in the body.
It appears that PMMA elevates body temperatures dramatically; the cause of this property is suspected to be related to its ability to inhibit MAO-A and at the same time releasing large amounts of serotonin, effectively causing serotonin syndrome. It appears that PMMA activates the hypothalamus much more strongly than MDMA and other drugs like ephedrine, thereby causing rapid increases in body temperature (which is the major cause of death in PMMA mortalities).[citation needed]
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, PMMA is commonly regarded as moderately stimulating and energetic exclusively at lower dosages.
Abnormal heartbeat - Accelerated and abnormal heartbeats are extremely common with PMMA.
Anxiety or Anxiety suppression - This depends greatly on the dosage, as higher dosages are almost guaranteed to bring anxiety, due to all the adverse effects.
Cognitive euphoria or Cognitive dysphoria - This depends greatly on the dosage, as higher dosages are almost guaranteed to bring dysphoria, due to all the adverse effects.
At moderate to high dosages, PMMA is capable of producing typically mild or moderate visual distortions, which are usually more common and pronounced than with MDMA, but significantly less when compared with most psychedelics, such as 2C-B or LSD.
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:
This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub.
As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
PMMA and its relative PMA [[Toxicity::can be considered extremely toxic when compared to other substances such as Methamphetamine or MDMA ]]. [[Toxicity::Ingestion of PMMA has been associated with severe tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate), seizures, dehydration, hyperthermia, and death]]. PMMA has a relatively slow onset, causing many users to redose which causes excess toxicity.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices if choosing to use this substance.
Legal status
In February 2002, the European Council decided that PMMA shall be subjected by the Member States to control measures and criminal penalties within three months.[1]
Austria: PMMA is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the SMG (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich).[citation needed]
Brazil: Possession, production and sale is illegal as it is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.[2]
France: PMMA is scheduled as a "stupéfiant", i.e. a recognized drug of abuse. It is illegal to possess, buy, sell or manufacture.[3]
Germany: PMMA is controlled under Anlage I BtMG (Narcotics Act, Schedule I) as of October 10, 2000.[4][5] It is illegal to manufacture, possess, import, export, buy, sell, procure or dispense it without a license.[6]
Switzerland: PMMA is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis D.[7]
