PMA and PMMA

Chicken Powder
Dr. Death
PMMA
PMA

Scientific Names: PMA = paramethoxyamphetamine, but is also known as 4-methoxyamphetamine (4-MA). PMMA = paramethoxymethamphetamine.

Generic Names: Substituted amphetamine.

An example of what PMA and PMMA looks like

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) can be in powdered form although they are rarely seen as street drug in the UK as they are have few desirable effects but are extremely dangerous and toxic. A decade ago, PMA and PMMA were responsible for a number of UK deaths when they were mis-sold as ecstasy pills.

Effects of PMA and PMMA

Desired Effects:

PMA and PMMA as they are not considered to have any recreational value as they produce only mild stimulant and euphoric effects and moderate visual distortions. However, it is thought most people who have used these drugs purchased them believing they were MDMA pills. PMMA is reportedly weaker than PMA but more "ecstasy-like".

Side Effects:

Abnormal heartbeat
Appetite suppression
Dehydration
Dizziness
Increased body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate
Increased perspiration
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid breathing
Seizures
Teeth grinding
Vasoconstriction
Vibrating vision
Anxiety
Double vision

Risks

Long term risks:

Long term risks are not yet fully known.

Short term risks:

PMA and PMMA are less euphoric but more toxic at lower doses than MDMA and can also take longer to take effect. This has led people to believe they were taking low dose MDMA pills and redosing leading to overdose. They can cause life-threatening hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome even at moderate doses. Risks are increased if mixed with other stimulant drugs or with alcohol.

How does PMA and PMMA work?

Central nervous system stimulants

Legal status of PMA and PMMA

Class A under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

How is PMA and PMMA taken?

Usually swallowed in a pill mis-sold as ecstasy.

Paraphernalia

None

Medical uses of PMA and PMMA

None

Where Does it Come From?

PMA first came into circulation in the early 1970s, where it was used as a substitute for the hallucinogenic properties of LSD. PMA and PMMA are produced in illicit labs.

Helping Services

Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. The increase in stimulant use has led to some agencies offering specialist services that offer counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.