Neurotoxicity of MDMA: Main effects and mechanisms.
Giulia Costa, Krystyna Gołembiowska
Experimental Neurology October 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113894 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Citations | 64 |
| Key findings | MDMA induces central neurotoxicity, as demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies, posing a serious health risk for recreational users. |
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy'), in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit acute and persistent abnormalities of varying severity at the central level. Importantly, neurotoxic effects of MDMA have been demonstrated in experimental animals. Accordingly, central toxicity induced by MDMA may pose a serious harm for health, since MDMA is among the substances that are used for recreational purposes by young and adult people. This review provides a concise overview of recent findings from preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated the central effects of MDMA, and the mechanisms involved in the neurotoxicity induced by this amphetamine-related drug.
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 34
- Mescaline: The forgotten psychedelic Neuropharmacology October 14, 2022
- The Emerging Field of Psychedelic Psychotherapy. Current Psychiatry Reports October 1, 2022
- A proposed mechanism for the MDMA-mediated extinction of traumatic memories in PTSD patients treated with MDMA-assisted therapy Frontiers in Psychiatry October 12, 2022
- Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings Neural Regeneration Research February 22, 2024
- MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents: rationale, potential, risks, and considerations. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry November 1, 2024
and 29 more in the library
Cites 70
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- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) neurotoxicity in rats: a reappraisal of past and present findings Psychopharmacology March 15, 2006
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- Distinct acute effects of LSD, MDMA, and d-amphetamine in healthy subjects Neuropsychopharmacology November 16, 2019
and 65 more in the library