Characterization of a novel and potentially lethal designer drug (±)‐cis‐para‐methyl‐4‐methylaminorex (4,4'‐DMAR, or ‘Serotoni’)
Drug Testing and Analysis May 19, 2014 Simon D. Brandt, Michael H. Baumann, John S. Partilla et al. 37 citations
A new designer drug, para-methyl-4-methylaminorex (4,4'-DMAR), was linked to 26 deaths in Europe in 2013. Laboratory analysis of samples from online vendors identified the (±)-cis isomer in at least 18 cases. The drug acts as a potent releaser at dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters, with EC50 values of 8.6 nM, 26.9 nM, and 18.5 nM respectively. Its potency at dopamine and norepinephrine transporters rivaled that of d-amphetamine and aminorex, but it was far more potent at the serotonin transporter. This broad activity predicts serious side effects including psychosis, agitation, hyperthermia, and cardiovascular stimulation, especially at high doses or with other stimulants.