Alternative names
α-ethyltryptamine
Current Scheduling Status
Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class
Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
Etryptamine (CAS 2235-90-7), chemically 3-(2-aminobutyl)indole, is also known as a-ethyltryptamine and Monase. Etryptamine has a single chiral centre, so two stereoisomeric forms and one racemate are possible.
WHO review history
In 1992, the 28th meeting (6) of the Committee recommended that etryptamine be critically reviewed.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the CNS
Chemically, etryptamine is similar to the hallucinogenic tryptamines, some of which are already listed in Schedule I of the 1971 Convention. Animal studies indicate that etryptamine produces effects similar to those produced by 3,4-methylenedioxymetamfetamine (MDMA), but its hallucinogenic effects are more pronounced than its stimulant effects. Like amfetamine, etryptamine increases locomotor activity in rodents. In a study using the method of behavioural pattern monitoring, etryptamine significantly decreased investigatory behaviour, which is typical of hallucinogens and MDMA-like substances. The stimulant effects of etryptamine are slower in onset and more prolonged than those of amfetamine.
In the early 1960s, etryptamine acetate was placed on the United States market as an antidepressant. Soon after its release, it was reported that etryptamine was associated with a high incidence of agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal condition. More recently, there are isolated reports of etryptamine being associated with the deaths of drug abusers in Germany, Spain and the United States.
Dependence potential
Drug discrimination studies in animals indicate that etryptamine produces effects resembling MDMA. Self-administration studies indicate that etryptamine has a moderate dependence potential lower than that of cocaine.
Actual abuse and or/evidence of likelihood of abuse
Information from various sources indicates that there has been abuse of etryptamine in Germany, Spain and the United States. Etryptamine is assessed to have a high abuse liability.
Therapeutic usefulness
In view of its association with serious adverse reactions such as agranulocytosis, the therapeutic usefulness of etryptamine is assessed to be very limited, if any.
Recommendation
On the basis of the available data concerning its pharmacological and toxicological profile, dependence potential and likelihood of abuse, the public health and social problems associated with the abuse of etryptamine are assessed to be especially serious. On the basis of this and the assessment of its therapeutic usefulness, it is recommended that etryptamine be placed in Schedule I of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971.
Etryptamine (CAS 2235-90-7), chemically 3-(2-aminobutyl)indole, is also known as a-ethyltryptamine and Monase. Etryptamine has a single chiral centre, so two stereoisomeric forms and one racemate are possible.
WHO review history
In 1992, the 28th meeting (6) of the Committee recommended that etryptamine be critically reviewed.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the CNS
Chemically, etryptamine is similar to the hallucinogenic tryptamines, some of which are already listed in Schedule I of the 1971 Convention. Animal studies indicate that etryptamine produces effects similar to those produced by 3,4-methylenedioxymetamfetamine (MDMA), but its hallucinogenic effects are more pronounced than its stimulant effects. Like amfetamine, etryptamine increases locomotor activity in rodents. In a study using the method of behavioural pattern monitoring, etryptamine significantly decreased investigatory behaviour, which is typical of hallucinogens and MDMA-like substances. The stimulant effects of etryptamine are slower in onset and more prolonged than those of amfetamine.
In the early 1960s, etryptamine acetate was placed on the United States market as an antidepressant. Soon after its release, it was reported that etryptamine was associated with a high incidence of agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal condition. More recently, there are isolated reports of etryptamine being associated with the deaths of drug abusers in Germany, Spain and the United States.
Dependence potential
Drug discrimination studies in animals indicate that etryptamine produces effects resembling MDMA. Self-administration studies indicate that etryptamine has a moderate dependence potential lower than that of cocaine.
Actual abuse and or/evidence of likelihood of abuse
Information from various sources indicates that there has been abuse of etryptamine in Germany, Spain and the United States. Etryptamine is assessed to have a high abuse liability.
Therapeutic usefulness
In view of its association with serious adverse reactions such as agranulocytosis, the therapeutic usefulness of etryptamine is assessed to be very limited, if any.
Recommendation
On the basis of the available data concerning its pharmacological and toxicological profile, dependence potential and likelihood of abuse, the public health and social problems associated with the abuse of etryptamine are assessed to be especially serious. On the basis of this and the assessment of its therapeutic usefulness, it is recommended that etryptamine be placed in Schedule I of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971.
ECDD Recommendation
Inclusion in Schedule I of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances
Link to full TRS
who_trs_856.pdf1.07 MB