Psychopharmacology
September 7, 2000
M. Morgan
Abstract. Rationale: Recreational use of "ecstasy" (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) has become increasingly widespread. Until recently, however, little was known about the possible persistent psychological effects of extensive use of this drug. Objective: The aim of the present review is to evaluate recent empirical evidence concerning the persistent psychological sequelae of...
Journal of Neurochemistry
September 1, 2000
Isabel Hervias, Berta Lasheras, Norberto Aguirre
Abstract: Neurotoxicity induced by different substituted amphetamines has been associated with the exhaustion of intracellular energy stores. Accordingly, we examined the influence of 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG), a competitive inhibitor of glucose uptake and metabolism, and nicotinamide, an agent that improves energy metabolism, on 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐induced...
American Journal of Forensic Medicine & Pathology
September 1, 2000
Johan Duflou, Adam M. Mark
51 citations
The authors report a case of aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade in a 29-year-old man after ingestion of ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) at a "rave" party. There was no history of hypertension, myxoid heart disease, or other risk factors for aortic dissection in the deceased, although a minor degree of cystic medial necrosis was noted on histologic examination of the aorta....
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
September 1, 2000
Roberta Pacifici, Piergiorgio Zuccaro, Magı́ Farré et al.
44 citations
Abstract MDMA (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine) use can cause neurochemical, behavioral and endocrine alterations, similar to those produced by exposure to acute stress, suggesting its potential as a “chemical stressor.” It is known that stressful stimuli can produce a depression of immune function and an alteration in immune cells distribution. In vitro exposure to MDMA resulted in a...
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
September 1, 2000
Rafael de la Torre, Magı́ Farré, Pere N. Roset et al.
178 citations
Abstract MDMA given at recreational doses (range tested 50 to 150 mg) to healthy volunteers, produced mydriasis and marked increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and pupillary diameter. MDMA induced changes on oral temperature. The time course of this observation was biphasic, as a slight decrease at 1 h and a slight increase at 2 and 4 h were observed. MDMA induced a...
European Psychiatry
August 1, 2000
C. Burgess, Alan O'Donohoe, Michael Gill
108 citations
Summary Background Background – Ecstasy is a recreational drug with an anecdotal reputation for safety. However, reports of adverse effects and fatalities have increased in the medical and popular press. Methods Method – Literature search and review. Results Results – Acute Ecstasy toxicity does not appear to be due to overdose and cannot be solely attributed to the nature of the usual ambient...
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
August 1, 2000
Jordi Camı́, Magı́ Farré, Marta Más et al.
237 citations
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") is a recreational drug of increasing use among youth because of its apparent entactogenic properties, such as euphoria, friendliness, closeness, and empathy. However, experimental studies have shown MDMA to be neurotoxic. Data on pharmacologic actions of MDMA in humans are limited. The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover,...
Neurology
July 25, 2000
Stephen J. Kish, Yoshiaki Furukawa, Lee-Cyn Ang et al.
119 citations
The authors found that striatal levels of serotonin and those of its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were severely depleted by 50 to 80% in brain of a chronic user of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) whereas concentrations of dopamine were within the normal control range. Our data suggest that MDMA exposure in the human can cause decreased tissue stores of serotonin and therefore some...
American Journal of Psychiatry
July 1, 2000
Robert Klitzman, Harrison G. Pope, James I. Hudson
132 citations
OBJECTIVE: The authors explored the association between abuse of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or “Ecstasy”) and high-risk sexual behaviors among gay and bisexual men. METHOD: An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 169 gay and bisexual men at three New York City dance clubs. The questionnaire covered demographic indices, use of MDMA and other drugs, and history of high-risk...
Biochemical Pharmacology
June 15, 2000
K Kreth, K Kovar, M Schwab et al.
The human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes catalyzing the oxidative metabolism of the widely abused amphetamine derivatives MDMA (N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, "Ecstasy"), MDE (N-ethyl-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, "Eve"), and MDA (3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) were identified. Using a simplified non-extractive reversed-phase HPLC assay with fluorescence detection, biphasic...