Drugs – PMA & PMMA

PMA, PMMA

(Red Mitsubishi, killer, para-methoxyamphetamine, para-methoxymethylamphetamine)

 

Looking like – and usually sold as – an ecstasy tablet, PMA shares the same initial buzz and hallucinogenic qualities of E, but can cause a fatal rise in temperature in some users.

 

 

Pure PMA is a white powder, but can appear beige, pink, or yellowish on the street. It’s usually made into pressed pills and sold as MDMA (ecstasy). There have been several cases of Mitsubishi’s found to contain PMA.

 

Even small doses (60mg) can significantly increase blood pressure, body temperature and pulse rates. Many of the serious health problems connected with the drug has resulted from people mistaking PMA for E and wolfing down several pills – increasing chances of a PMA overdose significantly.

 

There are already many documented cases of PMA fatalities, sparking off a tabloid frenzy with the more hysterical headlines claiming that it could “poach a victim’s brain like an egg”

 

Australia has suffered several recent deaths with Wuesthoff Reference Laboratories in Melbourne, Florida showing that five of seven Ecstasy-related deaths in Orange and Osceola counties this year (2000) involved PMA.

 

One of the deaths suggested that an interaction with a prescription medication (fluoxetine) may have occurred. All the victims consumed more than one drug including alcohol and Valium. It’s possible the combinations and taking more than one dose contributed to their deaths.

 

 

 

 

 

Health risks:

Users have reported muscle spasms, increased blood pressure and body temperature, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting and in some cases, coma and death. The first sign of impending trouble is a soaring temperature.

*Seek proper medical help immediately if you find yourself seriously overheating on the dance floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Law:

PMA and PMMA are both Class A controlled drugs in the UK.

 

 

 

Special note:

Urban75: This site is all about harm reduction. We realise that some people will take drugs no matter what advice they are given. This guide is to be for information purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you are being coerced into taking drugs, or are in any doubt about taking a substance, our advice is to always refuse.

 

 

Source:Urban75                                                                                                                                                

The Ana Liffey Drug Project have created a two minute animated video featuring key messages from their recent PMA/PMMA campaign.