In the 1960's, alpha-ethyltryptamine (αET), a non hydrazine reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor, was developed in the United States by the Upjohn chemical company for use as an antidepressant. αET was... However, in 1962, after the discovery of an unacceptable incidence of agranulocytosis, the development of Monase was halted and the drug was withdrawn from potential market use.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism of action responsible for its antidepressant activity was believed to lie in its ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase, while its stimulant activity on the central nervous system appeared to result from its structural similarity to indole-based psychedelics.
Research discovered αET to be both a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and a potent monoamine releasing agent capable of serotonergic neurotoxicity.
The ability to release serotonin was linked to αET's MDMA like properties. αET has been shown to release serotonin pre-synaptically, as well as lesser amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine.
- Primary indication
- Developed in the 1960's for use as an antidepressant before market withdrawal in 1962.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C12H16N2 · 188.2688 g/mol (avg)
- Also known as
- alpha-ethyltryptamine
Resolves to
ZXUMUPVQYAFTLF-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCC(N)CC1=CNC2=CC=CC=C12What you can answer from here — as of September 19, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Etryptamine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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