5-MeO-MiPT, also known as 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine or “Moxy,” is a synthetic psychedelic substance frequently encountered as a “research chemical” sold online. Its synthesis and pharmacology were documented in 1985 by David Repke and Alexander Shulgin.
Understanding 5-MeO-MiPT
5-MeO-MiPT is a synthetic indole alkaloid, part of the tryptamine class. Its structure is similar to other tryptamines like 5-MeO-DiPT, DiPT, and MiPT. It is typically encountered as a powder, though it can also be found in pellet or blotter forms.
Its psychoactive effects are primarily attributed to its activity as a serotonin receptor agonist, particularly at the 5-HT2A receptor. It also binds to other serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors. Some research suggests it may also act as a moderately potent serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which could contribute to reported antidepressant and anxiolytic effects at lower doses.
Reported Effects and Experiences
The subjective and physiological effects of 5-MeO-MiPT can vary depending on the dosage and method of administration. Oral ingestion typically leads to effects appearing 15 to 20 minutes after consumption, peaking between 45 and 60 minutes, and lasting for approximately 4 to 6 hours, with effects potentially decreasing after 10 hours. When inhaled or smoked, the onset is nearly immediate, and the effects may last for 2 to 5 hours, disappearing within 2 to 4 hours.
Users frequently report a range of sensory alterations, including heightened tactile sensations, which contribute to an increased libido and sexual pleasure. Visual effects are generally less pronounced than with other psychedelics, but color and pattern recognition can be enhanced. Some users describe spontaneous bodily sensations, often a warm, soft, and encompassing glow, alongside occasional cold, sharp tingling.
Emotional shifts can include euphoria, introspection, and empathy, particularly in social settings. Cognitive changes involve stimulating and relaxing qualities at lower to moderate doses, leading to insightful experiences. However, at higher doses, the substance can become more sedating and impairing, potentially leading to depersonalization without accompanying insight.
Physiological effects reported by users include nausea, which can sometimes lead to vomiting, and typically subsides after the initial onset. Other physical effects may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, vasoconstriction, headaches, and dehydration.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Using 5-MeO-MiPT carries several potential risks and necessitates careful safety considerations. Psychological adverse effects can include anxiety, paranoia, and, in predisposed individuals, the potential for psychosis. Tryptamines, in general, are known to induce psychological disturbances, including hallucinatory states, restlessness, disorientation, confusion, and amnesia.
Physical risks are also a concern, with reports of cardiovascular strain, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and abnormal heartbeat. Nausea is a common physiological effect, sometimes resulting in vomiting. There is also a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome, especially when 5-MeO-MiPT is combined with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as MAOIs or SSRIs.
The purity and correct dosing of 5-MeO-MiPT are dangers due to its status as a research chemical, meaning its exact composition and concentration can be inconsistent. There is limited knowledge about its long-term effects and precise toxic dosage. Preliminary studies in mice indicate that while low doses (0.27 mg/kg) may not produce measurable toxic effects, higher doses (2.7 mg/kg) have been shown to induce cell toxicity and programmed cell death in the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Harm reduction advice includes avoiding use in unsafe environments or by individuals with pre-existing medical or psychological conditions. It is also strongly recommended to avoid mixing 5-MeO-MiPT with other substances like stimulants or certain psychedelics due to unpredictable interactions and increased risk of adverse effects.
Legal Status and Societal Context
The legal status of 5-MeO-MiPT varies significantly across different jurisdictions, reflecting the challenges regulatory bodies face with new psychoactive substances (NPS). In the United States, 5-MeO-MiPT is not federally scheduled, but it can be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act (21 U.S.C. ยง 813) if intended for human consumption. This act allows substances structurally similar to Schedule I or II controlled substances to be treated as such if intended for human consumption, effectively making 5-MeO-MiPT illegal if sold or possessed with this intent due to its structural resemblance to controlled tryptamines like 5-MeO-DiPT.
For example, 5-MeO-MiPT is a Class A drug in the United Kingdom. In Florida and Louisiana, it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Other countries, such as China and Finland, have also explicitly controlled 5-MeO-MiPT, while it remains unscheduled in Canada and Luxembourg. The rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances like 5-MeO-MiPT poses an ongoing challenge for legal frameworks globally, as chemists continually modify molecular structures to bypass existing drug laws.