5-MeO-MiPT, or 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine, is a synthetic psychoactive compound that belongs to the tryptamine chemical class. This substance is often encountered outside of regulated pharmaceutical channels and is sometimes referred to by the street name “Moxy.” As a research chemical, it lacks formal human testing and approved medical uses, meaning information about its effects and risks is primarily derived from anecdotal reports and limited scientific studies.
Chemical Identity and Classification
5-MeO-MiPT is a substituted tryptamine, a class of compounds that share a structural resemblance to the naturally occurring neurotransmitter serotonin. Its full chemical name, 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine, describes the specific modifications made to the core tryptamine structure. The compound features a methoxy group (\(\text{CH}_3\text{O}\)) attached at the fifth position of the indole ring, which is the “5-MeO” portion of its name. This 5-methoxy substitution is also seen in potent, naturally occurring compounds like 5-MeO-DMT, influencing the molecule’s affinity for various serotonin receptors in the brain.
The “MiPT” portion indicates the presence of a methyl group and an isopropyl chain attached to the nitrogen atom of the side chain. These specific N-substitutions affect the molecule’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate its pharmacological activity. 5-MeO-MiPT functions primarily as a non-selective agonist at several serotonin receptors, including the \(\text{5-HT}_{1\text{A}}\), \(\text{5-HT}_{2\text{A}}\), and \(\text{5-HT}_{2\text{C}}\) subtypes.
Some research also suggests that the compound may act as a moderately potent serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) by binding to the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. This dual mechanism of action, involving both receptor agonism and reuptake inhibition, contributes to the unique combination of effects reported by users.
Subjective Effects and Reported Experience
The reported subjective effects of 5-MeO-MiPT are often described as highly dose-dependent, with different experiences noted at lower and higher ranges. At relatively low oral doses, typically between 4 and 6 milligrams, users often report a stimulating and mildly empathogenic experience. This lower-dose experience is frequently characterized by enhanced tactile sensations and increased introspection, with some reports noting a significant enhancement of libido and sexual pleasure.
In this range, visual disturbances are generally mild or absent, with effects sometimes likened to those of entactogens. The onset of effects when taken orally is relatively rapid, usually starting within 15 to 45 minutes, with the peak experience occurring about 1 to 2 hours after ingestion. The total duration of the experience typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours, though residual stimulation may persist for longer periods.
As the dosage increases, the experience shifts toward more classical psychedelic effects, similar to those produced by compounds like 5-MeO-DMT. Higher doses may lead to pronounced changes in perception, including altered perception of time, emotional shifts, and more noticeable visual distortions. However, even at these stronger levels, the experience is commonly noted for having a stronger physical or body-focused component compared to other serotonergic psychedelics.
Safety Considerations and Potential Risks
The primary safety concern with 5-MeO-MiPT stems from its status as a research chemical, meaning there is a fundamental lack of formal human toxicity data and standardized dosing guidelines. Anecdotal accounts frequently mention an unpleasant “body load,” which can include physiological side effects like nausea, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal distress. More serious physiological risks, particularly at higher doses, involve the cardiovascular system, with reports of increased heart rate (tachycardia) and elevated blood pressure.
The dual pharmacological activity as a serotonin receptor agonist and a potential SNRI creates a significant drug interaction risk. Combining 5-MeO-MiPT with other serotonergic substances, such as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as Serotonin Syndrome. This condition involves an excessive buildup of serotonin, causing symptoms like confusion, agitation, high fever, and rapid heart rate.
Psychological risks are also present, including the potential for challenging and overwhelming experiences, sometimes referred to as “bad trips,” characterized by intense anxiety, paranoia, and confusion. Furthermore, the variability in purity and concentration common to the unregulated research chemical market means that users cannot be certain of the actual dose they are consuming. Studies in animal models have also shown that high doses of 5-MeO-MiPT can induce apoptotic cell death in organs such as the liver and kidney.
Regulatory Status
The legal standing of 5-MeO-MiPT is complex and varies significantly by jurisdiction. In the United States, the compound is not explicitly listed as a controlled substance at the federal level. Despite this, it may be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act if it is intended for human consumption, as it is chemically similar to the Schedule I substance 5-MeO-DiPT.
Many individual states, including Florida and Louisiana, have classified 5-MeO-MiPT as a Schedule I controlled substance, making its possession and sale illegal within those borders. Elsewhere in the world, the substance is often strictly controlled; for example, it is classified as a Class A drug in the United Kingdom. Countries like Germany and China have also implemented specific legislation to control this and other New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).