Pharmacological aspects of the combined use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB): a review of the literature
Joachim D. Uys, Raymond J.m. Niesink
Drug and Alcohol Review July 1, 2005 DOI: 10.1080/09595230500295725 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstractAbstract
Epidemiological studies show that the use of club drugs is on the rise. Furthermore, the last few decades have seen a rise in patterns of polydrug use. One of the combinations frequently used is ecstasy (MDMA) with gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB). For effective prevention it is important to be aware of this phenomenon and of the pharmacology of these drugs. The effects of the combination extend to different neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. Studies investigating the effects of combinations of psychoactive substances are limited. In this review we describe the subjective effects of the MDMA/GHB combination. Furthermore, we review the individual actions of MDMA on serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline systems. In addition, actions of GHB on these systems are discussed as a possible pharmacological basis for the interaction of both drugs. It is postulated that GHB attenuates the unpleasant or dysphoric effects of MDMA by its effect on the central dopaminergic system.
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 9
- Gamma-hydroxybutyrate enhances mood and prosocial behavior without affecting plasma oxytocin and testosterone Psychoneuroendocrinology July 17, 2015
- MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence Diseases November 3, 2023
- Psychedelic bliss : memory and risk taking during MDMA intoxication 2007
- MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Overview of Current Evidence Preprints.org
- MDMA: interactions with other psychoactive drugs. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior October 2011
and 4 more in the library
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and 27 more in the library