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National Drug Intelligence Center
Product No. 2004-L0559-003

May 2004

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Cover image linked to printable AMT Fast Facts brochure.

Background photo © John Foxx Images;
Cover photo: Marysville (OH) Police.

Printable brochure (47 KB pdf)

AMT
Fast Facts

Questions and Answers

- What is AMT?
- What does AMT look like?
- How is AMT used?
- Who abuses AMT?
- What are the risks?
- What is it called?
- Is AMT illegal?

Other products of interest
Contact us

National Drug Intelligence Center
a component of the
U.S. Department of Justice.


W
hat is AMT?

AMT is a common name for a synthetic drug with the chemical name alpha-methyltryptamine. Abused for the hallucinogenic and stimulative effects it produces, AMT belongs to a class of chemical compounds known as tryptamines. Other hallucinogenic tryptamines include 5-MeO-DIPT (5-methoxy-N, N-diisopropyltryptamine, also known as foxy), psilocybin, and psilocyn.

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What does AMT look like?

AMT is available as a powder, which may be packaged in small glass or plastic vials. The powder also can be pressed into tablets or placed in capsules. Some capsules and tablets contain AMT powder mixed with colored powders. Tablets sometimes are embossed with logos.

Photo of several small, white pills under a clear vial.
DEA

How is AMT used?

AMT typically is consumed orally in 15- to 40-milligram dosages, although dosage amounts vary widely. The drug also may be administered via snorting or smoking. Users typically begin to feel the drug's effects within 3 to 4 hours after administration. The hallucinogenic and stimulative effects generally subside after 12 to 24 hours but may last up to 2 days.

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Who abuses AMT?

AMT typically is abused by teenagers and young adults. The drug is used at raves, nightclubs, and other venues where the use of club drugs, particularly MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy), is well-established. AMT also is used at private parties.

What are the risks?

AMT produces various negative physical and psychological effects in users. Physical effects include visual and auditory disturbances and distortions, increased blood pressure, blurry vision, dilated pupils, and nausea. Psychological effects associated with the use of AMT include terrifying hallucinations, emotional distress, nervousness, tension, irritability, restlessness, and inability to sleep. AMT also diminishes user inhibitions, which can result in high-risk sexual activity or accidental injury. Overdoses of AMT can lead to death.

What is it called?

Other Names for AMT

IT-290

3-IT

Spirals

3-(2-aminopropyl)indole

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Is AMT illegal?

Yes, AMT is illegal. In April 2003 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) temporarily designated AMT a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs, which include heroin and MDMA, have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose in the United States.

Other products of interest:

Check out Fast Facts on:

  • 5-MeO-AMT
  • Crack cocaine
  • Crystal methamphetamine
  • Drug abuse and mental illness
  • Drug-facilitated sexual assault
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Drugs and gangs
  • Drugs and the internet
  • DXM
  • Fentanyl
  • Foxy
  • Fry
  • GHB and analogs
  • Heroin
  • Inhalants
  • Jimsonweed
  • Ketamine
  • Khat
  • LSD
  • Marijuana
  • MDMA
  • Methadone
  • Methamphetamine
  • Meth lab ID and hazards
  • OxyContin
  • PCP
  • Powdered cocaine
  • Prescription drugs
  • Psilocybin
  • Ritalin
  • Rohypnol
  • Salvia divinorum
  • Steroids
  • Teens and drugs
  • Triple C
  • Yaba

Also available from NDIC:

  • Huffing--The Abuse of Inhalants
  • Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth
  • Drugs, Youth, and the Internet

For more information on illicit drugs check out our web site at: www.usdoj.gov/ndic. Call 814-532-4541 to request NDIC products.

Contact us

Our addresses:

National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901-1622
Telephone: 814-532-4601
FAX: 814-532-4690

NDIC Washington Liaison Office
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
McLean, VA 22102-3840
Telephone: 703-556-8970
FAX: 703-556-7807

NDIC publications are available on the following web sites:

ADNET: http://ndicosa
LEO: home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic
RISS: ndic.riss.net
INTERNET: www.usdoj.gov/ndic

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End of document.