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PMA

PMA tablets
Aka: Chicken Fever, Chicken Yellow, double stacked, killer, mitsubishi turbo, PMMA, red mitsubishi.

The Drug

The Effects

The Risks

The Law

The Drug
Overview Appearance Use
Overview

What is PMA? PMA is similar to MDMA (ecstasy). It can make users feel alert, alive and full of energy. Its similarity means that PMA is actually sometimes sold as ecstasy. It is also known as paramethoxymethyamphetamine, or para-methoxymethyamphetamine.

However, PMA is much stronger, and like MDMA, can cause a fatal rise in body temperature. The effects of PMA also take longer than MDMA to begin to be felt – so some users have overdosed by mistakenly taking pill after pill thinking nothing is happening, which can also be fatal.

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Appearance

PMA is usually a white pressed tablet which is swallowed. These tablets are unusually thick when compared to typical ecstasy tablets and this has led to PMA tablets being nicknamed 'double stacked'.

The tablets are often underscored, 7mm in diameter and 6mm thick and weigh about 230mg. Prices can vary from region to region, but on average they are between £3 and £8.

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Use

Like ecstasy, PMA is swallowed.

The Effects

What are the effects of PMA?

PMA has similar but stronger effects when compared to ecstasy, though with somewhat delayed onset.

PMA effects include:

  • Giving people an energy buzz that makes them feel alert and alive.
  • Feeling in tune with surroundings.
  • Sounds and colours are more intense.
  • Feelings of great love for friends and strangers.
The Risks
What are the risks? Impurities Getting hooked
What are the risks?

What are the risks of PMA?

The effects of PMA can a take a while to kick-in so there’s a risk of the user double-dosing to compensate, risking a fatal overdose. Other risks include:

  • As little as a quarter of a tablet (60mg) is enough to significantly increase blood pressure, body temperature and pulse rates.
  • Anyone with a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have a very dangerous reaction to the drug.
  • Anyone using too much can get paranoid and depressed.
  • PMA can cause muscle spasms and lots of people feel very sick after taking it.
  • PMA affects the body's temperature control and is stronger than ecstasy, and so the risk of overheating may be greater. People can get so out of their faces they don't realise they're in danger of overheating and  dehydration. Users should take regular breaks to cool down and should keep hydrated. If you feel your temperature soaring on the dance floor seek help immediately.
  • Be a little careful not to overdo it when drinking fluid to avoid dehydration and overheating – as drinking too much water can also be dangerous or even fatal. Just remember to sip no more than a pint of non-alcoholic fluid every hour. This is important because drugs like PMA and MDMA (ecstasy) can cause the body to release a hormone which suppresses the production of urine. So, if a user drinks a few pints of liquid too quickly, water builds up in the body and interferes with the body’s salt balance. This excess of water in the body can directly  harm brain function; and this can be as deadly as not drinking enough water.
  • The long term risks associated with PMA have yet to be studied but many are likely to be similar to ecstasy.

PMA and alcohol

Mixing PMA with alcohol can have serious consequences – the effects of PMA are increased, making it more likely to experience its negative effects.

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Impurities

Not enough is known about the purity of PMA but if it's being sold as ecstasy it's likely the pills have been cut with cheaper ingredients like amphetamine (i.e. speed), caffeine and starch.

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Getting hooked

Can you get addicted to PMA?

As with ecstasy, it’s possible to build up a tolerance (which means people need to take more PMA tabs to get the same level of buzz).

Psychological dependence may also develop (with an increased desire to keep taking the drug despite the risks).

There have been no clear physical withdrawals reported with PMA but, as with ecstasy, users may feel lethargic or low for some days after having used.

The Law

PMA and the law

  • PMA is a Class A drug which means that it's illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.
  • Possession can get you up to seven years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
  • Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you a life sentence and/or an unlimited fine.

Did you know?

  • A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.
  • Like drinking and driving, driving while impaired by PMA is illegal – you can get a heavy fine, be disqualified from driving or even go to prison.
  • Allowing other people to use PMA in your house or any other premises is illegal. If the police catch someone using PMA in a club they can prosecute the landlord, club owner or person holding the party.

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