Behavioral Psychopharmacology of MDMA and MDMA-Like Drugs: A Review of Human and Animal Studies
Diana L. Martinez-Price, Kirsten Krebs-Thomson, Mark A. Geyer
Addiction Research & Theory 2002 DOI: 10.1080/16066350290001704 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Methamphetamine Hallucinogen Prepulse inhibition Recreational drug Neurotoxicity Pharmacology |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key findings | MDMA and related serotonergic drugs produce a unique behavioral profile in both humans and animals, though the precise mechanisms are still being studied. |
Abstract
Since being classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine; "ecstasy") has been the subject of controversy regarding its potential therapeutic usage, increased use by young people in the "Rave" culture, and issues of potential neurotoxicity. This review article summarizes much of the animal and human studies of the general behavioral effects of MDMA and MDMA-like drugs, as well as studies using specific locomotor activity and startle/prepulse inhibition paradigms. MDMA and related serotonergic drugs produce a unique behavioral profile in both humans and animals. The precise sites of action and mechanisms for these behavioral effects are still being studied. Carefully conducted studies of MDMA and related compounds in animal and human subjects will provide invaluable information that can be used to elucidate mechanisms underlying drug abuse, cognition, arousal, and motor activity, as well as mechanisms of neurotoxicity and the possible therapeutic value of MDMA.
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 5
- Pharmacological aspects of the combined use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB): a review of the literature Drug and Alcohol Review July 1, 2005
- A Brief Historical Overview of Psychedelic Research. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging May 1, 2024
- Age differences in (±) 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐induced conditioned taste aversions and monoaminergic levels Developmental Psychobiology June 15, 2013
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) does not induce robust psychomotor activation and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalisations in tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2)-deficient rats lacking serotonin in the central nervous system. British Journal of Pharmacology November 23, 2025
- Are there sex differences associated with the effects of ecstasy/3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)? Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews 2007
Cites 18
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Hallucinogenic Amphetamine Selectively Destroys Brain Serotonin Nerve Terminals Science September 6, 1985
- Altered Serotonin Innervation Patterns in the Forebrain of Monkeys Treated with (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Seven Years Previously: Factors Influencing Abnormal Recovery Journal of Neuroscience June 15, 1999
- The Background and Chemistry of MDMA Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Derivatives of 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-butanamine: representatives of a novel therapeutic class Journal of Medicinal Chemistry October 1, 1986
and 13 more in the library