The agony of ecstasy: MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and the kidney.
Garland A Campbell, Mitchell H Rosner
Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN November 2008 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.02080508 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Argues that ecstasy-induced hyponatremia results from a combination of vasopressin secretion, polydipsia, and high fluid intake at raves, and that acute kidney injury is most commonly due to nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis, with treatment measures presented. |
Abstract
Ecstasy (MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is commonly used by college-aged individuals. Ecstasy leads to feelings of euphoria, emotional empathy, and increased energy. These effects come at a significant risk for complications. Ecstasy has been associated with acute kidney injury that is most commonly secondary to nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis but also has been reported in the setting of drug-induced liver failure and drug-induced vasculitis. More common, ecstasy has led to serious hyponatremia and hyponatremia-associated deaths. Hyponatremia in these cases is due to a "perfect storm" of ecstasy-induced effects on water balance. Ecstasy leads to secretion of arginine vasopressin as well as polydipsia as a result of its effects on the serotonergic nervous pathways. Compounding these effects are the ready availability of fluids and the recommendation to drink copiously at rave parties where ecstasy is used. The effects of ecstasy on the kidney as well as therapeutic measures for the treatment of ecstasy-induced hyponatremia are presented.
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 29
- Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects Archives of Toxicology April 1, 2020
- Mechanisms of MDMA (Ecstasy)-Induced Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Organ Damage Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology June 27, 2010
- Molecular and clinical aspects of potential neurotoxicity induced by new psychoactive stimulants and psychedelics Experimental Neurology June 4, 2021
- Deaths related to MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Prevalence, root causes, and harm reduction interventions Journal of Substance Use February 20, 2018
- MDMA interactions with pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology March 31, 2020
and 24 more in the library
Cites 25
- Human Pharmacology of MDMA Therapeutic Drug Monitoring March 19, 2004
- 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA JAMA March 27, 1987
- 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans Addiction May 1, 1994
- Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Journal of Clinical Pathology February 1, 1996
- The Psychological and Physiological Effects of MDMA on Normal Volunteers Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
and 20 more in the library