5-MeO-DMT vs MDA
A side-by-side research comparison of 5-MeO-DMT and MDA across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | 5-MeO-DMT | MDA |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine | 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (sass) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule I (research compound) | Schedule I (research compound) |
| Mechanism | Strongly activates serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, producing rapid and intense changes in consciousness. | Releases serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine and has direct serotonin receptor activity, giving a mix of empathogenic and psychedelic effects. |
| Molecular weight | 218.30 g/mol | 179.22 g/mol |
| Half-life | Short (minutes) | ~6-8 hours |
| Bioavailability | Inhaled/injected | Oral |
| Typical dose | Low milligram range in clinical studies | Varies by individual and setting |
| Frequency | One to a few supervised sessions | Occasional |
| Route | Inhalation or injection in research settings | Oral |
5-MeO-DMT reported benefits
- Studied for treatment-resistant depression
- Short duration suits clinical use
- Explored for anxiety
- Rapid onset of effects
MDA reported benefits
- More visual than MDMA
- Empathogen-psychedelic blend
- Longer-lasting
- Historic research compound
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.