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Designer Drug Confusion: A Focus on MDMA

Jerome Beck, Patricia Morgan

Journal of Drug Education September 1, 1986 DOI: 10.2190/tw2b-2p4a-kgum-6102 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Topics MDMA
Keywords Stimulant Recreational drug Recreational use Designer drug Confusion Hallucinogen Substance abuse
Citations 57
Key findings Interest in MDMA will continue to grow despite its illegality and evidence of neurotoxicity, and more research is needed on its benefits and risks.

Abstract

This article discusses the competing definitions and issues surrounding the various desgner drugs, but is primarily devoted t o an examination of MDMA, an increasingly popular substance often labeled as a designer drug. Also known as “Ecstasy” or “Adam,” MDMA possesses both stimulant and psychedelic properties which combine to produce a unique effect desired by many users. The authors offer a rationale for why interest in MDMA will continue to grow despite the drug's recent illegality and the increasing evidence of neurotoxicity. MDMA's recreational attraction and therapeutic potential are discussed. Much more research is necessary to address both the potential benefits and risks of this controversial substance.

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

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