5-MAPB (1-(benzofuran-5-yl)-''N''-methylpropan-2-amine) is an entactogenic

designer drug A designer drug is a structural or functional analog of a controlled substance that has been designed to mimic the pharmacological effects of the original drug, while avoiding classification as illegal and/or detection in standard drug tests. D ...

similar to

MDMA 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly seen in tablet form (ecstasy) and crystal form (molly or mandy), is a potent empathogen–entactogen with stimulant properties primarily used for recreational purposes. The desire ...

in its structure and effects.

Legal Status

Canada

5-MAPB is not listed itself in the CDSA but since it is structurally related to

it may be considered illegal in Canada, although this has not been tested in court.

China

As of October 2015 5-MAPB is a controlled substance in China.

Luxembourg

As of July 2021, 5-MAPB is not cited in the list of prohibited substances. Therefore, it is still a legal substance.

United Kingdom

5-MAPB was originally banned in the UK in June 2013 under a Temporary class drug order. On March 5, 2014, the UK Home Office announced that 5-MAPB would be made a class B drug on 10 June 2014 alongside every other benzofuran entactogen and many structurally related drugs.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism and toxicity

Little formal knowledge exists on 5-MAPB. It does not form the

alpha-methyldopamine α-Methyldopamine (α-Me-DA), also known as 3,4-dihydroxyamphetamine (3,4-DHA or HHA), is a research chemical of the catecholamine and amphetamine chemical classes. Its bis- glutathionyl metabolite is slightly neurotoxic when directly injected ...

metabolite that contributes to the

neurotoxicity Neurotoxicity is a form of toxicity in which a biological, chemical, or physical agent produces an adverse effect on the structure or function of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. It occurs when exposure to a substance – specificall ...

or MDA. A study in rats indicated that the major metabolites of 5-MAPB are 5-APB and 3-carboxymethyl-4-hydroxymethamphetamine.

Pharmacodynamics

5-MAPB binds to the dopamine transporter in rat brain cells with a lower affinity than cocaine. ''

In silico In biology and other experimental sciences, an ''in silico'' experiment is one performed on computer or via computer simulation. The phrase is pseudo-Latin for 'in silicon' (correct la, in silicio), referring to silicon in computer chips. It ...

'' data suggests that the primary action on dopamine is through reversal of the transporter to release dopamine. This is consistent with the effects and it is possible that it exerts a similar action on

serotonin Serotonin () or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Its biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and va ...

and norepinephrine transporters.

References

{{Phenethylamines Methamphetamines 5-Benzofuranethanamines Designer drugs Entactogens and empathogens