[History, effects and mechanisms of action of ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine): review of the literature].
S P De Almeida, M T Silva
Revista panamericana de salud publica = Pan American journal of public health December 2000 DOI: 10.1590/s1020-49892000001100004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Argues that ecstasy use in Brazil is limited to middle- and upper-middle-class youth, but may be increasing. Contends that ecstasy is potentially dangerous due to adverse reactions and lack of quality control, and calls for primary and secondary prevention and emergency preparedness. |
Abstract
This review focuses on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an illegal drug known as "ecstasy." Ecstasy was introduced in Brazil in 1994. Data are lacking on the epidemiology and usage pattern of the drug in Brazil. However, there is evidence that until now the use of ecstasy has been limited to middle-class or upper-middle-class youth, so that most people, including health care professionals, are unfamiliar with the drug. However, ecstasy may be becoming more popular in Brazil, following a pattern seen in North America and Europe. Possible contributing to the drug's popularity is the fact that ecstasy is sold as a pill and is thus extremely easy to use. Ecstasy has a reputation for not being physically dangerous; however, there are many reports of adverse reactions associated with the drug. In addition, it is known that not all pills sold as ecstasy actually contain methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Since there is no quality control for the pills' contents, users never know exactly what they are taking. Thus, although users may perceive the effects of the drug as mostly positive, ecstasy is potentially dangerous. Primary and secondary interventions are needed to prevent the use of ecstasy and the occurrence of adverse reactions. To be effective, these measures must take into consideration the characteristics of the user population and the usage patterns. It is also essential to prepare health professionals for emergency medical interventions in cases of intoxication and complications resulting from the use of ecstasy.
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 4
- MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence Diseases November 3, 2023
- MDMA administration attenuates hippocampal IL-β immunoreactivity and subsequent stress-enhanced fear learning: An animal model of PTSD Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health October 1, 2022
- MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Overview of Current Evidence Preprints.org
- Ecstasy (MDMA): effects and patterns of use reported by users in São Paulo. Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria March 2003
Cites 18
- Positron emission tomographic evidence of toxic effect of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) on brain serotonin neurons in human beings The Lancet October 1, 1998
- Recreational MDMA use in Sydney: a profile of ‘Ecstasy’ users and their experiences with the drug British Journal of Addiction August 1, 1992
- Can Drugs Be Used to Enhance the Psychotherapeutic Process? American Journal of Psychotherapy July 1, 1986
- Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) The British Journal of Psychiatry September 1, 1994
- Chronic 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Use: Effects on Mood and Neuropsychological Function? The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 1992
and 13 more in the library