3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine, commonly known as MDA, is a synthetic psychoactive drug. It belongs to both the amphetamine and MDxx families of compounds. MDA is often encountered as a recreational substance due to its effects on mood and perception.
Understanding MDA’s Nature
MDA, also known by its International Nonproprietary Name (INN) Tenamfetamine, is classified as an entactogen, stimulant, and psychedelic drug. While related to MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), MDA often produces more pronounced hallucinogenic and stimulant properties compared to MDMA’s greater emphasis on euphoria and emotional openness. Common street names include “Sally,” “Sassafras,” and “Sass.”
MDA is a substituted methylenedioxylated phenethylamine and amphetamine derivative. It functions as a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent (SNDRA) and also acts as a serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonist. It has a long history of both psychotherapeutic and recreational use, dating back to at least the mid-1960s, predating MDMA’s popularity.
Immediate Effects of MDA
Upon consumption, typically by mouth, MDA begins to exert its effects within 30 to 60 minutes, with peak effects occurring around 75 to 120 minutes. Desired psychological effects reported by users include:
- A sense of general well-being and happiness
- Increased self-confidence
- Enhanced communication
- Increased empathy or feelings of closeness with others
- A sense of inner peace
- Mild hallucinations
Beyond these psychological alterations, MDA also elicits a range of physiological responses. Common acute effects include:
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased perspiration
- Wakefulness
- Psychomotor activity
- Involuntary teeth clenching (bruxism)
- Muscle cramps, sometimes persisting for days after use
Potential Harms and Dangers
MDA use carries several potential harms, both acutely and with prolonged use. Overdose symptoms can be severe, including a sharp rise in body temperature (hyperthermia), seizures, and cardiac arrest. Hyperthermia is particularly dangerous, especially when combined with vigorous physical activity in warm environments, as it can lead to muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), kidney failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
MDA can also cause an electrolyte imbalance, specifically hyponatremia (low sodium levels). This can result from excessive water intake, leading to brain swelling, seizures, and potentially death. Long-term risks associated with MDA use include neurotoxicity, particularly affecting serotonin nerve terminals, which can lead to enduring problems with memory and learning. Psychological dependence and the exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions like confusion, anxiety, depression, and paranoia can also persist for weeks following use.
MDA’s Legal Classification
In the United States, MDA is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification signifies that MDA has a high potential for abuse and currently no accepted medical use in treatment. Substances in Schedule I also lack accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
The implications of this classification mean that the manufacture, distribution, and possession of MDA are illegal for non-medical purposes. This legal status reflects the federal government’s assessment of the drug’s risks and lack of recognized therapeutic value.