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3-4-CTMP

3-4-CTMP molecule structure3-4-CTMP molecule structure
Chemical Class

3-4-CTMP is a potent synthetic stimulant of the phenidate class with a long duration of action. It is a structural analogue of methylphenidate1, distinguished by two additional chlorine atoms on its phenyl ring.2 Although the substances have similar pharmacological profiles, their subjective effects differ. 3-4-CTMP has habit-forming properties and can lead to compulsive use.

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.

Threshold1-2 mg
Light2-4 mg
Moderate4-6 mg
Strong6-8 mg
Heavy6-10 mg

Duration

Onset1-2 hours
After Effects2-24 hours
Total6-18 hours

Subjective Effects

Subjective Effects not written up yet

Reagent Testing

Expected colorimetric results for common reagent tests. Colors show reaction change over 1–2 minutes.

Mandelin(MD)
yellow2 → orange2 → red2 → brown2 → yellow2
Marquis(MQ)
No reaction
No reaction
Mecke(ME)
No reaction
No reaction
Liebermann(LB)
No reaction
No reaction
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Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

3,4-CTMP inhibits serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine reuptake by blocking their transporters, increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters between nerve cells. Its 3,4-dichloro substitution increases serotonin transporter selectivity and serotonin uptake inhibition. This substitution also increases its affinity for dopamine and norepinephrine transporters.

Pharmacokinetics

The 3,4-dichloro substitution increases resistance to metabolism and prolongs biological half-life. Low water solubility limits absorption through the nasal lining; much of an insufflated dose may instead reach the stomach through postnasal drainage.

Metabolitesnone documented yet

Interactions

Interactions not written up yet

An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.

Check TripSit

Tolerance

Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.

Full Tolerance
Many users report no noticeable acute tolerance during consecutive daily use over extended periods, with tolerance instead increasing gradually during regular, prolonged use. Some reports describe a sudden increase after a prolonged period of little change, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects or maintain functioning.

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

3,4-CTMP is habit-forming, with reported abuse potential comparable to amphetamine or MDMA; discrimination studies have described it as more addictive than cocaine. Redosing to sustain euphoria can accumulate medically dangerous quantities because physical stimulation may outlast the psychological effects.

Toxicity

Lethal Dosage

The exact toxic dose of 3,4-CTMP is unknown.

Cardiovascular system

3,4-CTMP may cause potentially life-threatening pulmonary hypertension, particularly at high doses or with chronic use, while sustained receptor stimulation raises concern for heart-valve fibrosis that may cause stroke or severe, permanent heart disease. Sudden blood-pressure drops can cause dizziness, tinnitus, or fainting, particularly at high doses, and may accompany a rapid or erratic heartbeat; abnormal heart rhythms become more likely at high doses and can be serious. Strong vasoconstriction may be dangerous at high doses or in cold environments.

Nasal mucosa

Anecdotal reports describe insufflated 3,4-CTMP as painful and potentially extremely caustic to the nasal mucosa.

Psychosis Risk

Stimulant psychosis is possible with prolonged abuse of 3,4-CTMP and is described as typically associated with excessive use and sleep deprivation.

History & Culture

3,4-CTMP was sold online as a designer drug1 and had a short documented history of recreational use. In 2012, it was the most…

Legality

By Country

Illegal9
United States flagUnited StatesIllegal (analog/blanket ban)
Canada flagCanadaIllegal
China flagChinaIllegal
Germany flagGermanyIllegal (analog/blanket ban)
Japan flagJapanIllegal
Sweden flagSwedenIllegal
Switzerland flagSwitzerlandIllegal
Turkey flagTurkeyIllegal
United Kingdom flagUnited KingdomIllegal

References

Citations

  1. In Vitro Neurochemical Assessment of Methylphenidate and Its ‘Legal High’ Analogs 3,4-CTMP and Ethylphenidate. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (n.d.). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5985416/123
  2. Order Amending Schedule III to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Methylphenidate), SOR/2017-44. gazette.gc.ca (n.d.). https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2017/2017-04-05/html/sor-dors44-eng.html12
  3. 2.3.2 3,4-CTMP. The Drug Users Bible (n.d.). https://drugusersbible.org/content/chemscape/stimulants/3_4-ctmp/index.html123
  4. 我国管制毒品目录(2026年7月更新,540种+三大类). ga.sz.gov.cn (n.d.). https://ga.sz.gov.cn/SZJDZX/SZBMFW/content/post_12898420.html1
  5. 三部门联合发布最新版《非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品目录》. btgaj.xjbt.gov.cn (n.d.). https://btgaj.xjbt.gov.cn/c/2025-07-28/8428464.shtml1
  6. 麻醉药品和精神药品管理条例. amr.hainan.gov.cn (n.d.). https://amr.hainan.gov.cn/himpa/xxgk/zcfg/ypl/202503/t20250324_3837790.html1
  7. 非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品列管办法. gaj.panjin.gov.cn (n.d.). https://gaj.panjin.gov.cn/2015_10/08_00/content-235605.html1
  8. 医薬品、医療機器等の品質、有効性及び安全性の確保等に関する法律第二条第十五項に規定する指定薬物及び同法第七十六条の四に規定する医療等の用途を定める省令(平成十九年厚生労働省令第十四号)第一条第百五十四号. laws.e-gov.go.jp (n.d.). https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/api/2/law_data/419M60000100014?elm=MainProvision-Article_1-Paragraph_1-Item_1541
  9. 薬事法第2条第14項に規定する指定薬物及び同法第76条の4に規定する医療等の用途を定める省令の一部改正について(施行通知)(平成26年3月6日薬食発0306第2号). mhlw.go.jp (n.d.). https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=00tb9886&dataType=1&pageNo=11
  10. 医薬品、医療機器等の品質、有効性及び安全性の確保等に関する法律(昭和三十五年法律第百四十五号)第七十六条の四. laws.e-gov.go.jp (n.d.). https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/api/2/law_data/335AC0000000145?elm=MainProvision-Chapter_15-Article_76_41

Further Reading

  1. Luethi et al. 2018 - Pharmacological profile of methylphenidate-based designer drugs

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