What is MDMA - PDF document

MDMA CSTASY Abuse What is MDMA? producing an energizing effect,perception and enhanced enjoy-ment from tactile experiences.ypically, MDMA (an acronymor capsule, and its effects lastMDMA can affect the brain bymessengers, or neurotransmitters,another. Research in animals hasnerve cells that contain serotonin damage to them. Furthermore, MDMA raises body temperature.On rare but largely unpredictableled to severe medical including death. MDMA causesthe release of anotherneurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which is likely the cause of the ease in heart rateand blood pressurthat often accompanies rom the director Americans across the country, despitevidence of its potential harmful effects.deceptive reputation as a ÒsafeÓ drug among its users. This illegal drug, which distortions in time and sensory percep-tions that it produces. MDMA first and demographic subgroups. According effects and long-term consequences ofIndeed, one reason for the rapid rise indrug in the 1980s, and the pictureemerging from their efforts is of a drug MDMA can cause a dangerous increasein body temperature that can lead to kidney failure. MDMA can alsoincrease heart rate, blood pressure, and heart wall stress. Animal studiesresearch is not conclusive at this time;however, a number of studies show thatcognitive deficits, including problemsNIDA-supported research is develop-ing a clearer picture of the potential Research We hope that this compilation of scientific information will inform a D.Volkow,M.D. Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health ResearchReport NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE ecstasy, researchers have deter-combinations that can be harm-MDMA tabl

ets purchased on thestreet include methamphetamine,caffeine, the over-the-countercough suppressant dextromethor-is rarely used alone. It is not A brief history of MDMA in Germany in the early 1900s as a parentsynthesize other pharmaceuticals.the drug had never undergoneformal clinical trials nor receivedapproval from the U.S. Food andapproved the first small clinicalpsychotherapy under carefullypost-traumatic stress disorder.it was perceived to enhancesessions and reportedly allowed EnforDEADEA its list of Schedule I drugs, corre- with no proven therapeutic value. What is the scope of MDMA t is difficult to determine the because MDMA is often usedin combination with substances, and does not appear sources, such as treatment admission rates. aged 12 or older reported usingcurruse in past monthuse in past monthThe Drug Abuse Warning ESEARCH REPORT SERIES Serotonin Present in Cerebral Cortex Neurons om a normal monkey.The middle and right panels illustrate the loss of serotonin-containing nerve endings following MDMA exposure. 2 WEEKS AFTER ECSTASY 7 YEARS AFTER ECSTASY reported that mentions of MDMAin drug abuse-related cases inhospital emergency departmentswere 2,221 for the third andto emergency departments time were aged 18Ð20.There is, however, someencouraging news from NIDAÕsMonitoring the FuturMTFMTFtrack drug abuse trends amongin 10th-graders, and 67 percent MDMA use decreased significantly from 2004 to 2005 among 12th-In 2005, 8th-graders reported asignificant decrease in perceivedharmfulness in using MDMA across many demographic sub-groups. Among 12th-graders in2005, for example, 3.9 percent ofWhites, 3.0 percent of Hispanicstudents, and 1.4 percent ofAfrican-Ameri

cans reported Who is abusing MDMA? DMA first gained popu raves. However, the profile of data from NIDAÕs CommunityEpidemiology Work GroupCEWGCEWGeport that use of MDMA has spreadis spreading beyond predomi-nantly White youth to a broader of ethnic groups. In youth, but there are increasingreports of its use by African-American adults in their twentiesork suggest that both drugs are becoming more com- ESEARCH REPORT SERIES 024681002468102003 Annual 2005 2003 10th-Graders12th-Graders Trends in MDMA Prevalence, 2003Ð2005 *These data are from the 2005 Monitoring the Future survey, funded by the National Institute s Institute for Social Research. preceding an individualÔs response to the survey. Ò30-dayÓ refers to use at least once during the30 days preceding an individualÔs response to the survey. 20406080100 200520042003 8th-Graders Trends in Perceived risk associated with MDMA use in selected categories. Ògreat riskÓ to tryingÒgreat riskÓ to trying Other NIDA research shows myriad venues. This is concerning cities report using MDMA as part What are theeffects of MDMA? effects that a person may Those effects include feelings ofwarmth, empathy toward others,a and decreased anxiety. In sensory perception as a hallmark there are some users who report benign drug. MDMA can produce effects, including nausea, chills,blurred vision. MDMA overdosecan include high blood pressure,in severe cases, a loss of consciousness and seizures.properties and the environmentsis associated with vigorous physi-adverse effectsÑa marked rise in body temperature (hyperthermia). Treatment of hyperthermia requires prompt medical attention, breakdown, which can in turnresult in kidney failu

re. In addi-and heart failure may occur incan also reduce the pumpingefficiency of the heart, of parti-cular concern during periods of increased physical activity, further complicating these problems.into the human bloodstream, butbolites interfere with the bodyÕsdown, the drug. As a result, ESEARCH REPORT SERIES fects of MDMA ted Undesirable Effects up to 1 week post-MDMA, or longerup to 1 week post-MDMA, or longer ritability Sleep disturbances Lack of appetite Reduced interest in and pleasure from sex Significant reductions in mental abilities Potential Adverse Health Effects: y jaw clenching and teeth grinding Muscle cramping Blurred vision temperature (hyperthermia) High blood pressure Heart failure Kidney failure Symptoms of MDMA Overdose: High blood pressure Panic attacks Loss of consciousness es additional doses of MDMA can produce unexpectedly high blood levels, which could worsen thecardio effects of interferes with the metabolism ofdrug, MDMA produces significantreductions in mental abilities.affecting memory, can last for longer in regular users. The factmation processing empha-including anxiety, restlessness,severe as true clinical depression.impulsiveness, and aggression, interest in and pleasure from sexhave been observed in regular What does MDMAdo to the brain? DMA affects the brainby increasing the neurotransmitters (the chemical serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Like other amphetamines, MDMA causes these neurotransmitters to bereleased from their storage Compared to the very potentrelease and somewhat lesserdopamine release. Serotonin is aneurotransmitter that plays anrelease of serotonin by MDMAeffects experienced by MDMAusers. However, by releas

ingthis important neurotransmitter,behavioral aftereffects that usersNumerous studies in animalsneurons; some of these studieshave shown these effects to behumans as well; however, measuring serotonin damage ine difficult. Studies lasting confusion, depression, and selective impairment of workingmemory and attention processes. ESEARCH REPORT SERIES MDMAMDMA MDMA alters brain chemistry by binding to serotonin transporters. been associated with a decreasein serotonin metabolites or othermarkers of serotonin function.activity in regions involved infunction. However, improvedimaging technologies and moreresearch are needed to confirmthe exact nature of the effects ofdifficult to rule out pre-existinggender, dosage, frequency andenvironmental factors all mayplay a role in some of the cog-nitive deficits that result fromthe effects of MDMA in humans. eproduc- female users may be pregnant because of the misperception adverse effects of MDMA on thedeveloping fetus are of greatconcern. Behavioral studies inadverse effects on tests of learn-ing and memory from exposuretrimester in humans. However,the effects of MDMA on animalsearlier in development areunclear; therefore, more researchis needed to determine what the effects of MDMA are on Is MDMA addictive? or some people, MDMA can be addictive. A survey 43 percent of those who reported physical or psychological harm,withdrawal effects, and tolerance(or diminished response), and 34 percent met the criteria fordrug abuse. Almost 60 percent report withdrawal symptoms,appetite, depressed feelings, and trouble concentrating.MDMA affects many of thesame neurotransmitter systems in the brain that are targeted animals prefer MDMA, much ESEAR

CH REPORT SERIES eatening Effects ESEARCH REPORT SERIES What do we knowabout preventingMDMA abuse? MDMA use, the use of peer-ledadvocacy and drug preventionprograms may be a promisingapproach to reduce MDMA useinformation regarding the effectshope to reduce the damagingeffects of this drug. Education tools for use in preventing e there effectivetreatments forMDMA abuse? here are no specific treat- The most effective treatments are cognitive behavioral interven-tions that are designed to help and to increase skills in copingwith lifeÕs stressors. Drug abuse recovery support groups may be effective in combination to support long-term, drug-freerecovery. There are currently no pharmacological treatments Where can I get more scientific information on MDMA? o learn more about MDMADrug InforNCADINCADI800퀀729퀀6686. Information specialists are available to helpresources. on the health effects available on the NIDA Web siteEnglish and Spanish from NCADIat www.health.org. NIDA Web Sites hiv.drugabuse.gov Web site: health.orgPhone no.: 800퀷㈹퀀6686 Access information on the Internet ꔀWhatÕs new on the NIDA Web siteꔀInformation on drugs of abuseꔀPublications and communications NOTES ꔀLinks to NIDA organizational unitsꔀInternational activitiesꔀLinks to related Web sites (access to Web ESEARCH REPORT SERIES Bolla, K.I.; McCann, U.D.; and Ricaurte, G.A. Memory impairÒEcstasyÓÒEcstasyÓ Broening, H.W.; Morford, L.L.; Inman-Wood, S.L.; Fukumura, M.; and Vorhees, C.V. 3,4-learning and memory impairments depend on the age The Journal of Colado, M.I.; OÕShea, E.; Granados, R.; Misra, A.; Murray,T.K.; and Green, A.R.; A study of the neurotoxic effect drug during preg

nancy. British Journal of Pharmacology Community Epidemiology Work Group. Trends in Drug Abuse: Volume I. Cottler, L.B.; Womack, S.B.; Compton, W.M.; and Psychopharmacology 20012001Curran, H.V.; and Travill, R.A. Mood and cognitive effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA,ÔecstasyÕ): week-end ÔhighÕ followed by mid-week low ynch, E. Persistent loss of thermo- macology Kish, S.J.; Furukawa, Y.; Ang, L.; Vorce, S.P.; and Kalasinsky, ology Koprich, J.B.; Chen, E.-Y.; Kanaan, N.M.; Campbell, N.G.;Kordower, J.H.; and Lipton, J.W. Prenatal metabolism, and increases forebrain tyrosine and Teratology Lester, S.J.; Baggott, M.; Welm, S.; Schiller, N.B.; Jones,R.T.; Foster, E.; and Mendelson, J. Cardiovascular effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: Annals of Internal Liechti, M.E.; and Vollenweider, F.X. Which neuroreceptorsA summary of mechanistic studies. Psychopharmacology 20012001 Lyles, J.; and Cadet, J.L. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDMA, EcstasyMDMA, Ecstasymolecular mechanisms. Brain Research Reviews McCann, U.D.; Eligulashvili, V.; and Ricaurte, G.A. ⢱)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ÔEcstasyÕ)- 20002000MDMAMDMApersistent psychological effects. Psychopharmacology Morgan, M.J. Memory deficits associated with recreational Psychopharmacology National Institute on Drug Abuse. Monitoring the Future:National Results on Adolescent Drug Use 2005. Obrocki, J.; Buchert, R.; VŠterlein, O.; Thomasius, R.; Beyer,W.; and Schiemann, T. Ecstasy Ð long-term effects on the human central nervous system revealed by positronemission tomography. British Journal of Psychiatry Parrott, A.C.; and LaskyMDMAMDMA Psychopharmacology Reneman, L.; Booij, J.; Sc

hmand, B.; van den Brink, W.; and Psychopharmacology Development, maintenance and temporal pattern of Psychopharmacology Sherlock, K.; Wolff, K.; Hay, A.W.; and Conner, M. Analysis nal of Accident andEmergency Medicine 19991999Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,Office of Applied Studies. 2003: Interim National Estimates of Drug-RelatedEmergency Department Visits. DAWN Series D-26, DHHSfluoxetine treatment partly attenuates the long-term Neuropsychopharmacology Verkes, R.J.; Gijsman, H.J.; Pieters, M.S.M.; Schoemaker,R.C.; de Visser, S.; Kuijpers, M.; Pennings, E.J.M.; uin, D.; Van de Wijngaart, G.; Van Gerven, J.M.A.;formance and serotonergic macology areing, M.; Fisk, J.E.; and Murphy, P.N. Working British Journal of Psychology 20002000 A chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking A substance, either a biologically active material such as another drug or an inert material, added to a drug when it is Cardiovascular system: The heart and blood vessels. A neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate feeling of pleasure. Common street name for MDMA. Gastrointestinal system: The stomach and intestines. A potentially dangerous rise in body temperature. Common chemical name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. ry signals or information from one nerve cell to another. epinephrine: in regions of the brain that affect heart rate otonin: A neurotransmitter present in widespread parts of the brain that is involved in sleep, movement, and emotions. A decrease in the effect of a drugthat occurs with repeated administration. NIH Publication Number 06-4728Printed March 2006Feel free to reprint this publication. Glos