Pharmacology of MDMA- and Amphetamine-Like New Psychoactive Substances.
Linda D. Simmler, Matthias E. Liechti
Handbook of experimental pharmacology 2018 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_113 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | 4-fa 4-fluoroamphetamine 5-it Aminoindans Benzofurans Dat Dopamine Monoamines Net Nps Noradrenaline Release Sert Uptake |
| Key findings | The authors conclude that amphetamine-like NPS act predominantly through norepinephrine and dopamine transporter inhibition and release, giving catecholamine-selective psychostimulation, whereas MDMA-like NPS primarily inhibit SERT and NET and release serotonin and norepinephrine, producing empathy and prosocial effects. They propose that abuse liability may be higher for amphetamine-like NPS, but that MDMA-like NPS may pose a greater risk of serotonin syndrome. |
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) with amphetamine-, aminoindan-, and benzofuran basic chemical structures have recently emerged for recreational drug use. Detailed information about their psychotropic effects and health risks is often limited. At the same time, it emerged that the pharmacological profiles of these NPS resemble those of amphetamine or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Amphetamine-like NPS induce psychostimulation and euphoria mediated predominantly by norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) transporter (NET and DAT) inhibition and transporter-mediated release of NE and DA, thus showing a more catecholamine-selective profile. MDMA-like NPS frequently induce well-being, empathy, and prosocial effects and have only moderate psychostimulant properties. These MDMA-like substances primarily act by inhibiting the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) and NET, also inducing 5-HT and NE release. Monoamine receptor interactions vary considerably among amphetamine- and MDMA-like NPS. Clinically, amphetamine- and MDMA-like NPS can induce sympathomimetic toxicity. The aim of this chapter is to review the state of knowledge regarding these substances with a focus on the description of the in vitro pharmacology of selected amphetamine- and MDMA-like NPS. In addition, it is aimed to provide links between pharmacological profiles and in vivo effects and toxicity, which leads to the conclusion that abuse liability for amphetamine-like NPS may be higher than for MDMA-like NPS, but that the risk for developing the life-threatening serotonin syndrome may be increased for MDMA-like NPS.
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
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- Drug-induced social connection: both MDMA and methamphetamine increase feelings of connectedness during controlled dyadic conversations Scientific Reports September 22, 2023
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- Clinical toxicology of newer recreational drugs Clinical Toxicology October 1, 2011
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