MDA
3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
Also known as Sally · Sassafras · Sass · Tenamfetamine
Images
Quick reference
Duration
Experience
Primary effects
- Induces strong cognitive immersion, euphoria, and empathogenic drive, similar to MDMA but with greater stimulation and a psychedelic edge.
- Causes mild tingling, increasing comfort, pupil dilation, and heightened sensuality.
- Leads to significant body heating, requiring continuous hydration, and can cause jaw tension or gurning.
Peak character
- A heady, sweaty, serene-like experience with a distinct sex drive and 'trippy' psychedelic undertones affecting clarity.
- Strong empathetic qualities and an urge for intimacy, with the high characterized by a drifting, yet engaged, mindset.
- Can be intense and close to overwhelming, making complex social interaction difficult and occasionally causing anxiety about managing the experience.
Negatives / side effects
- Causes significant body temperature elevation, leading to sweating and potential for dehydration or over-hydration; avoid alcohol due to increased risk.
- May induce anxiety, particularly at higher doses, indicating it can push beyond a manageable state.
- Can lead to strong jaw tension and gurning, though it might be resistible.
Aftereffects / comedown
- Lingers with a drifting headspace into the night, potentially maintaining some influence even after several hours.
- Results in a slightly heavy head, warmth, and partially dilated pupils the next morning, followed by tiredness and mental fatigue that eases during the day.
- May lead to vivid dreams a couple of nights later, possibly due to prolonged receptor stimulation.
Reference dosage
Reference ranges from third-party harm-reduction databases. Individual response varies enormously — start lower than you think.
| threshold | 30mg+ |
Reagent testing
| Marquis | Purple → black |
| Mecke | Blue → black |
| Froehde | Blue → black |
| Simon's | No reaction (primary amine — key distinction from MDMA) |
Adulterant detection: Simon's test is the key differentiator: MDA = primary amine (no Simon's reaction), MDMA = secondary amine (Simon's blue). This is important because they have different dose-response profiles.
Simon's test distinguishes MDA from MDMA. Use all four reagents for full characterisation.
Source
Reference fields and narrative for MDA extracted from The Drug Users Bible by Dominic Milton Trott (MxZero Publishing, 2022).
drugusersbible.comHarm reduction notice
This platform provides educational and harm-reduction information adapted from public reference material. It does not endorse, encourage, or facilitate drug use. It is not medical advice. If you or someone near you may be in a medical emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.