mchlorophenylpiperazine

m-Chlorophenylpiperazine, commonly abbreviated as mCPP, is a synthetic psychoactive compound in the substituted phenylpiperazine class. Its chemical structure features a piperazine ring linked to a meta-chlorophenyl group, placing it among the piperazine derivatives that have been explored for serotonergic activity. It is not approved as a therapeutic drug.

Pharmacology and effects are primarily serotonergic. mCPP acts as an agonist at several serotonin (5-HT) receptors, with notable activity at 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A subtypes, and lower activity at others such as 5-HT2A. This receptor profile can lead to increased prolactin release and a range of central nervous system effects, including anxiety, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and stimulant-like sensations. The clinical and subjective effects can vary widely with dose and individual sensitivity, and adverse reactions are common, limiting its acceptable use outside controlled research settings.

History and legal status: mCPP was investigated in earlier decades as a potential antidepressant and appetite suppressant, but development was abandoned due to undesirable side effects. It has since appeared as a recreational drug and a component of the broader category of designer or research chemicals. Consequently, mCPP is subject to regulatory controls in many jurisdictions, where it is treated as a controlled substance or as a prohibited analogue of other serotonergic drugs.

Safety and notes: mCPP is not approved for medical use in most countries, and its effects can be unpredictable. Use outside of regulated research contexts carries legal and health risks, including anxiety, cardiovagal effects, and potential drug interactions. Researchers may use mCPP as a tool to study serotonin receptor function, but it is not a medication.