The dark side of ecstasy: neuropsychiatric symptoms after exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
Sunniva Nyberg Karlsen, Olav Spigset, Lars Slørdal
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology January 2008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00159.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | The authors argue that although numerous studies suggest a correlation between MDMA exposure and increased psychopathology, with psychotropic effects that may be long-lasting or permanent, the limitations of human exposure research mean a causal relationship cannot be concluded. They call for longitudinal studies to test whether MDMA causes persistent cognitive impairment or psychiatric symptoms in people. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a known neurotoxin in animals. This review discusses the history, pattern of use, pharmacology, acute and long-term effects of MDMA. Emphasis is given to the concern that MDMA may induce long-term cognitive and psychiatric effects. MDMA is an illegal substance, and investigations of the effects of exposure in human beings have limitations and weaknesses. There are numerous studies suggesting a correlation between MDMA exposure and psychopathology, and that the psychotropic effects may be long-lasting or permanent. However, it is not possible to conclude that there is a causal relationship between exposure and the increased psychopathology observed in MDMA users. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether MDMA causes persistent cognitive impairment and/or psychiatric symptoms in human beings.
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 22
- The ugly side of amphetamines: short- and long-term toxicity of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’), methamphetamine and d-amphetamine Biological Chemistry January 2, 2011
- Genetic Deletion of Trace Amine 1 Receptors Reveals Their Role in Auto-Inhibiting the Actions of Ecstasy (MDMA) Journal of Neuroscience November 23, 2011
- THC Prevents MDMA Neurotoxicity in Mice PLoS One February 10, 2010
- Careers in ecstasy use: do ecstasy users cease of their own accord? Implications for intervention development BMC Public Health November 15, 2008
- Behavioral profiles in rats distinguish among "ecstasy," methamphetamine and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine: Mixed effects for "ecstasy" analogues. Behavioral Neuroscience October 1, 2010
and 17 more in the library
Cites 56
- Human Pharmacology of MDMA Therapeutic Drug Monitoring March 19, 2004
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Neurology December 1, 1998
- Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- Altered Serotonin Innervation Patterns in the Forebrain of Monkeys Treated with (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Seven Years Previously: Factors Influencing Abnormal Recovery Journal of Neuroscience June 15, 1999
and 51 more in the library