British Journal of Pharmacology
June 12, 2006
Esther O’shea, Laura Orío, Isabel Escobedo et al.
57 citations
3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) decreases the 5‐HT concentration, [ 3 H]‐paroxetine binding and tryptophan hydroxylase activity in rat forebrain, which has been interpreted as indicating 5‐HT neurodegeneration. This has been questioned, particularly the 5‐HT loss, as MDMA can also inhibit tryptophan hydroxylase. We have now evaluated the validity of these parameters as a...
British Journal of Anaesthesia
June 2006
A P Hall, J A Henry
Since the late 1980s 'Ecstasy' (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) has become established as a popular recreational drug in western Europe. The UK National Criminal Intelligence Service estimates that 0.5-2 million tablets are consumed weekly in Britain. It has been reported that 4.5% of young adults (15-34 yr) in the UK have used MDMA in the previous 12 months. Clinically important toxic...
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
June 1, 2006
K. L. Klette, A. R. Kettle, M. H. Jamerson
13 citations
The Roche Abuscreen Onlinetrade mark Amphetamine immunoassay (IA), modified to include sodium periodate, and the Microgenics DRI Ecstasy IA were used to determine the prevalence of amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MAMP), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) in urine specimens from applicants seeking to...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
May 20, 2006
Jiansong Yang, Masoud Jamei, Amir Heydari et al.
89 citations
The aim of this study was to model the in vivo kinetic consequences of mechanism-based inhibition (MBI) of CYP2D6 by 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy). A model with physiologically-based components of drug metabolism was developed, taking account of change in the hepatic content of active CYP2D6 due to MBI by MDMA. Based on the in vitro information, plasma concentration time...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
May 2006
Casey R. Guillot, David Greenway
Research in laboratory animals has shown that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) destroys serotonergic axons in the brain at certain doses. Serotonin is known to take part in the regulation of mood in humans. Many researchers have hypothesized that if recreational ecstasy use destroys serotonergic axons, then a corresponding decline in the mood of ecstasy users should be seen....
Journal of Psychopharmacology
May 2006
Philip N. Murphy, Michelle Wareing, John E. Fisk
This self-report questionnaire study examined ecstasy users' perceptions of the risks associated with their use of ecstasy, their precautions against such risks, and its perceived effects on their lives. Gender differences in these areas were also explored. The sample comprised 328 ecstasy users (139 female, 187 male, one transsexual) with a mean age of 22.5 years (SD = 4.9 years)....
Drug and Alcohol Review
May 1, 2006
Michael Lyvers
41 citations
The controversy over possible MDMA-induced serotonergic neurotoxicity in human recreational ecstasy users is examined critically in light of recent research findings. Although the designs of such studies have improved considerably since the 1990s, the evidence to date remains equivocal for a number of reasons, including (1) inconsistent findings on the existence and reversibility of persistent...
European Journal of Neuroscience
May 1, 2006
Christopher Bishop, Jennifer L. Taylor, Donald M. Kuhn et al.
63 citations
Abstract Chronic l ‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) pharmacotherapy in Parkinson's disease is often accompanied by the development of abnormal and excessive movements known as dyskinesia. Clinical and experimental studies indicate that indirect serotonin agonists can suppress dyskinesia without affecting the efficacy of L‐DOPA. While the mechanism by which these effects occur is not clear,...
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
April 28, 2006
Kelly Allott, Jennifer Redman
Harm reduction refers to the use of strategies to prevent or reduce harmful consequences associated with illicit drug use. There is a paucity of research concerning the harm reduction practices employed by ecstasy users. This study aimed to explore the prevalence, nature and factors associated with harm reduction practices employed by ecstasy users in Australia, with a specific focus on the...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
March 30, 2006
Kirstie Soar, John Turner, A. C. Parrott
65 citations
Recreational ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) use has been increasingly associated with a number of psychiatric symptoms and psychological problems. However, previous studies assessing possible psychopathological effects have not identified whether users consider their ecstasy use ‘problematic’ or not. In addition, research has generally failed to address the potential role of...