MDAI

MDAI, or 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane, is a synthetic molecule of the aminoindane class with structural similarity to amphetamines. It features the R₃ terminal carbon of the propane chain of amphetamine bound to the benzene ring. This creates an indane group, a bicyclic moeity containing a benzene ring fused to a pentane ring. MDAI contains an amino group NH₂ bound to R₂ of the indane ring. MDAI also contains two oxygen substitutions at R₅ and R₆ joined by a methylene bridge to form a methylenedioxy group.

MDAI is structurally related to 2-AI, differing by a methylenedioxy ring.

MDAI has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and has a selective affinity for the serotonin receptor. Studies have shown that the brains of animals treated with MDAI have greater extracellular concentrations of monoamine neural transmitters, most significantly serotonin.^{[citation needed]}

For comparison, MDAI is similar in potency with releasing serotonin to MDA, but significantly less potent than MDMA.^[1] This is done by inhibiting the reuptake and reabsorption of the neurotransmitters after they have performed their function of transmitting a neural impulse, essentially allowing them to accumulate, be reused and cause entactogenic effects.

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

Experience reports

There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: MDAI

MDAI and other similar drugs have been widely used in scientific research as they are able to replicate many of the effects of MDMA, but without causing the associated neurotoxicity. No tests have been performed on cardiovascular toxicity.^{[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]}

There is currently no scientific data on the lethal dose of MDAI in humans and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. Due to its action as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, overdoses of this substance would likely result in serotonin syndrome.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.

Dependence and abuse potential

Although no formal studies have been conducted, MDAI can be considered somewhat habit-forming with a low potential for abuse and is unlikely to be capable of causing psychological dependence among most users. This is because unlike traditional stimulants, MDAI does not increase concentrations of dopamine. If addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of MDAI develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption).

MDAI presents cross-tolerance with all entactogens, meaning that after the consumption of MDAI all serotonergic stimulants will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.

• 25x-NBOMe & 25x-NBOH - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with MDAI should be strictly avoided due to the risk of excessive stimulation and heart strain. This can result in increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, panic attacks, thought loops, seizures, and heart failure in extreme cases.
• Alcohol - Combining alcohol with stimulants can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask alcohol's depressant effects, which is what most people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects will be left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and severe respiratory depression. If mixing, the user should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
• DXM - Combinations with DXM should be avoided due to its inhibiting effects on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. There is an increased risk of panic attacks and hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome with serotonin releasers (MDMA, methylone, mephedrone, etc.). Monitor blood pressure carefully and avoid strenuous physical activity.
• MDMA - Any neurotoxic effects of MDMA are likely to be increased when other stimulants are present. There is also a risk of excessive blood pressure and heart strain (cardiotoxicity).
• MXE - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
• Dissociatives - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
• Stimulants - MDAI may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• Tramadol - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold^[9] and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
• MDMA - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with other stimulants.
• Cocaine - This combination may increase strain on the heart to a dangerous degree.

Serotonin syndrome risk

Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.

• MAOIs - Such as banisteriopsis caapi, syrian rue, phenelzine, selegiline, and moclobemide.^[10]
• Serotonin releasers - Such as MDMA, 4-FA, methamphetamine, methylone and αMT.
• SSRIs - Such as citalopram and sertraline
• SNRIs - Such as tramadol and venlafaxine
• 5-HTP

• Austria: MDAI is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the NPSG (Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz Österreich).^{[citation needed]}
• Brazil: MDAI is illegal to possess, produce and sell under Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.^[11]
• China: As of October 2015, MDAI is a controlled substance in China.^[12]
• Denmark: MDAI is illegal in Denmark as of September 2015.^[13]
• Germany: MDAI is controlled under the NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act)^[14] as of November 26, 2016.^[15] Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not penalized.^[16]
• Japan: MDAI is a controlled substance in Japan effective March 30th, 2013.^[17]
• Switzerland: MDAI is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis E. It is a controlled substance since December 2011.^[18]
• Turkey: MDAI is a classed as drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.^{[19] [20]}
• United Kingdom: MDAI is illegal to produce, supply, or import under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.^[21]

• Responsible use
• Entactogen
• MDMA
• 6-APB
• 2-AI

• MDAI (Wikipedia)
• MDAI (Erowid Vault)
• MDAI (Isomer Design)

Discussion

• The Big & Dandy MDAI Thread (Bluelight)