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Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens

David E. Nichols

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1986.10472362 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics MDMA
Keywords Hallucinogen Identification biology Mechanism biology Class philosophy Psychotherapist Pharmacology Epistemology Artificial intelligence
Citations 568
Key points Proposes that MDMA and MBDB are 'entactogens,' a new therapeutic class distinct from classic hallucinogens and stimulants, based on differences in mechanism of action and subjective effects.

Abstract

(1986). Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs: Vol. 18, MDMA: Proceedings of the Conference, pp. 305-313.

In the evidence

This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.

  • Argues that MDMA and MBDB form a distinct therapeutic class, 'entactogens,' separate from classic hallucinogens and stimulants.

    Synthesized

Comparable studies

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The Background and Chemistry of MDMA 1986 Historical analysis
The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Original documents in Merck's historical archive in Darmstadt, Germany, years 1900–1960 2006 Historical analysis
Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA 2019 Theoretical or philosophical paper
How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale 2009 Theoretical or philosophical paper
The 21st century psychedelic renaissance: heroic steps forward on the back of an elephant 2017 Theoretical or philosophical paper

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