Carvedilol inhibits the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans
Cédric M. Hysek, Yasmin Schmid, Anna Rickli, Linda D. Simmler, Massimiliano Donzelli, Eric Grouzmann, Me Liechti
British Journal of Pharmacology March 8, 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01936.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-period crossover study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Healthy subjects |
| Interventions | Carvedilol MDMA |
| Dose | 50 mg carvedilol, 125 mg MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Carvedilol Placebo Pharmacology Heart rate Adverse effect Crossover study Antagonist Anesthesia Hyperthermia Drug Blood pressure |
| Citations | 81 |
| Key points | Carvedilol reduced MDMA-induced elevations in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature but did not affect the subjective effects of MDMA. |
Abstract
Background: AND PURPOSE The use of ±3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) is associated with cardiovascular complications and hyperthermia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We assessed the effects of the α 1 ‐ and β‐adrenoceptor antagonist carvedilol on the cardiostimulant, thermogenic and subjective responses to MDMA in 16 healthy subjects. Carvedilol (50 mg) or placebo was administered 1 h before MDMA (125 mg) or placebo using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, four‐period crossover design. KEY RESULTS Carvedilol reduced MDMA‐induced elevations in blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. Carvedilol did not affect the subjective effects of MDMA including MDMA‐induced good drug effects, drug high, drug liking, stimulation or adverse effects. Carvedilol did not alter the plasma exposure to MDMA.
Conclusions: AND IMPLICATIONS α 1 ‐ and β‐Adrenoceptors contribute to the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans but not to its psychotropic effects. Carvedilol could be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular and hyperthermic complications associated with ecstasy use.