Effects of MDMA on body temperature in humans
Temperature October 31, 2014 DOI: 10.4161/23328940.2014.955433 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Healthy subjects |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hyperthermia Norepinephrine Anesthesia Pharmacology |
| Citations | 64 |
| Key findings | MDMA produces an acute, dose-dependent rise in core body temperature in humans, partially mediated by norepinephrine release, with moderately hyperthermic temperatures occurring at higher doses even without physical activity. |
Abstract
Hyperthermia is a severe complication associated with the recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy). In this review, the clinical laboratory studies that tested the effects of MDMA on body temperature are summarized. The mechanisms that underlie the hyperthermic effects of MDMA in humans and treatment of severe hyperthermia are presented. The data show that MDMA produces an acute and dose-dependent rise in core body temperature in healthy subjects. The increase in body temperature is in the range of 0.2-0.8°C and does not result in hyperpyrexia (>40°C) in a controlled laboratory setting. However, moderately hyperthermic body temperatures >38.0°C occur frequently at higher doses, even in the absence of physical activity and at room temperature. MDMA primarily releases serotonin and norepinephrine. Mechanistic clinical studies indicate that the MDMA-induced elevations in body temperature in humans partially depend on the MDMA-induced release of norepinephrine and involve enhanced metabolic heat generation and cutaneous vasoconstriction, resulting in impaired heat dissipation. The mediating role of serotonin is unclear. The management of sympathomimetic toxicity and associated hyperthermia mainly includes sedation with benzodiazepines and intravenous fluid replacement. Severe hyperthermia should primarily be treated with additional cooling and mechanical ventilation.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 36
- Safety pharmacology of acute MDMA administration in healthy subjects Journal of Psychopharmacology February 21, 2017
- Pharmacological profile of novel psychoactive benzofurans British Journal of Pharmacology March 13, 2015
- Safety pharmacology of acute LSD administration in healthy subjects Psychopharmacology September 13, 2021
- The Emerging Field of Psychedelic Psychotherapy. Current Psychiatry Reports October 1, 2022
- Prediction of MDMA response in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled studies Journal of Psychopharmacology March 30, 2021
and 31 more in the library
Cites 46
- Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Neuroreport December 1, 1998
- Cardiovascular and neuroendocrine effects and pharmacokinetics of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in humans. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics July 1, 1999
- Gender differences in the subjective effects of MDMA Psychopharmacology March 5, 2001
- The pharmacology of the acute hyperthermic response that follows administration of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) to rats British Journal of Pharmacology 2002
- Pharmacology of MDMA in Humans Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences September 1, 2000
and 41 more in the library