5-MeO-aMT or 5-methoxy-α-methyltryptamine, α,O-Dimethylserotonin (Alpha-O) is a potent psychedelic tryptamine. It is soluble in ethanol. Pharmacology The sympathomimetic effects may in turn be caused by 5-MeO-AMT's structural similarity to the amphetamines. As noted by Alexander Shulgin, the alpha-methylated tryptamines can be looked at as the tryptamine homologues of the amphetamines (alpha-methylated phenethylamines). Mechanisms of action such as inhibition of monoamine reuptake may be involved also. Pharmacokinetics Recreational usage 5-MeO-AMT is supposedly sold in 4 mg tablets by the street name Alpha-O and taken as a recreational drug. Since the DEA arrests of the makers of a huge percentage of the United States' LSD in 2000, 5-MeO-AMT may have occasionally been sold under the guise of LSD in liquid, sugar cube, or blotter form, though this may be due to DEA reports of finding it on sugar cubes and blotters like LSD. The most common route of administration for 5-MeO-AMT is orally. Anecdotal reports, however, have described snorting or smoking the substance. Intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes are rarely, if ever, used outside research settings due to the high potency, powerful effects and quicker onset. Effects The effects of 5-MeO-AMT occur at 4–7 mg orally for most users. Erowid lists the following effects: Positive Increased energy Improved mood heading into euphoria at higher doses Increased sociability, gregariousness Increased giggling and laughter Increased sense of creative thinking Increased pleasure from sense of touch Intensification of sex for some users Neutral Lightheadedness Brightening of colors Visuals including motion, waves, breathing walls, etc. (usually at higher doses, over 4–5 mg) Increased attention to detail Auditory distortions and/or hallucinations (usually at higher doses) Negative Headache Body fatigue Chills from elevated body temperature (potential dehydration) Stress and extreme fatigue from long duration of effects. Nausea, diarrhea Vomiting Difficulty sleeping or resting for 12–24 hours after ingestion. Paranoia, irritability, anxiety (increasing with dose). Delusional, aggressive, or dissociated behaviour at very high doses (20+ mg) Risk of death Dangers If misrepresented as LSD, 5-MeO-AMT can be extremely dangerous; users may take a number of "hits" of 5-MeO-AMT, assuming that it is LSD. Unlike LSD, which is very safe in overdose, 5-MeO-AMT can be very harmful or fatal. Particularly sensitive individuals can experience symptoms of overdose at dosages in the normal (for most users) range — as low as 20 mg. This has led to at least a few hospitalizations and possibly more than one death. It is