3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
William Slikker Jr., Herbert H Schaumburg
Experimental and Clinical Neurotoxicology March 9, 2000 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780195084771.003.0291 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 as an anorectic agent, was later used in psychoanalysis, and was placed in Schedule I in 1986 due to abuse potential and neurotoxicity. |
Abstract
Abstract The initial chemical synthesis of MDMA was in 1912 (33). The drug was originally prepared as an anorectic agent but was never marketed for this purpose. MDMA forms salts with several acids and, as such, is a white solid at room temperature. It is soluble in water and has a bitter taste (33 ). The ( + )-(S)-isomer and the (-)-(R)isomer exhibit somewhat different pharmacological and metabolic profiles. Since the 1970s, MDMA and congener methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) have been used in psychoanalysis (38); MDMA was for a time, legally available in the United States for psychiatric use as a conversation enhancer and promoter of introspection. Because of the abuse potential as a street drug and reported neurotoxicity, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration placed MDMA in Schedule I status in 1986 (10).