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Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria (Sao... 2021
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Psychotherapy; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 33053043
DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-0020 -
Psychopharmacology Mar 2019Current prevalence estimates of synthetic cathinone ("bath salt") use may be underestimates given that traditional metrics (e.g., surveys, urinalysis) often fail to... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Current prevalence estimates of synthetic cathinone ("bath salt") use may be underestimates given that traditional metrics (e.g., surveys, urinalysis) often fail to capture the emergent issue of synthetic cathinone adulteration of more common illegal drugs, such as ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine).
OBJECTIVES
This review examines the evolution of synthetic cathinones and prevalence of use over the past decade in the United States. We also review methods of self-report and biological testing of these compounds as well as adverse outcomes associated with adulterated drug use.
RESULTS
Synthetic cathinone use emerged in the United States by 2009 with use associated with tens of thousands of poisonings. Reported poisonings and self-reported use have substantially decreased over the past five years. However, our review suggests that current estimates of use are underestimates due to underreporting stemming primarily from unknown or unintentional use of adulterated formulations of relatively popular illegal drugs, such as ecstasy.
CONCLUSIONS
While intentional synthetic cathinone use has decreased in recent years, evidence suggests that prevalence of use is underestimated. Testing of drugs and/or biological specimens can improve the accuracy of synthetic cathinone use estimates. Furthermore, we advocate that researchers and clinicians should become better aware that exposure to these potent compounds (e.g., as adulterants) often occurs unknowingly or unintentionally. To improve our understanding of synthetic cathinone adulteration, research utilizing a combinatorial approach (survey and biological testing) will help more accurately estimate the prevalence and impact of this public health issue.
Topics: Alkaloids; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Drug Contamination; Humans; Illicit Drugs; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Poison Control Centers; Prevalence; Self Report; Substance-Related Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Synthetic Drugs; United States
PubMed: 30338489
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5066-6 -
Psychopharmacology Mar 2022±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug that shows substantial promise as a psychotherapeutic agent. Still, there is some concern regarding its... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug that shows substantial promise as a psychotherapeutic agent. Still, there is some concern regarding its behavioral toxicity, and its dose-effect relationship is poorly understood. We previously explored the role of dose in the cognitive effects of MDMA in a systematic review of existing literature and found no evidence in animals that MDMA impairs memory at low doses (< 3 mg/kg) but mixed results at high doses (≥ 3 mg/kg). Since this review comprised mostly of single-dose studies and an assortment of methodologies, an empirical dose-ranging study on this topic is warranted.
OBJECTIVES
The current study aims to evaluate the conclusion from our systematic review that 3 mg/kg may be the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia, and to further understand the dose-effect relationship of MDMA on behavioral assays of memory, addiction, and depression.
METHODS
We systematically examined the effects of 0.01 to 10 mg/kg MDMA on Pavlovian fear conditioning; behavioral sensitization, conditioned place preference, and conditioned responding; and the Porsolt forced swim test in mice.
RESULTS
High doses of MDMA (≥ 3 mg/kg) produced amnesia of fear conditioning memory, some evidence of an addictive potential, and antidepressant effects, while low doses of MDMA (≤ 1 mg/kg) had no effect on these behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS
The present dose-ranging study provides further evidence that 3 mg/kg is the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia. These findings, in addition to our systematic review, demonstrate that careful selection of MDMA dose is critical. High doses (≥ 3 mg/kg) should likely be avoided due to evidence that they can produce amnesia and addiction. Conversely, there is little evidence to suggest that low doses, which are usually administered in clinical studies (approximately 1-2 mg/kg), will lead to these same adverse effects. Ultra-low doses (< 1 mg/kg) are likely even safer and should be investigated for therapeutic effects in future studies.
Topics: Amnesia; Animals; Conditioning, Classical; Depression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fear; Mice; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
PubMed: 35179622
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06086-9 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jan 2019In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the evidence from neuroimaging studies for chronic alterations in the brains of MDMA users. The databases PubMed, Embase, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the evidence from neuroimaging studies for chronic alterations in the brains of MDMA users. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from inception to August 24, 2018, without any language restriction. Sixteen independent studies comprising 356 MDMA users and 311 controls were included. Of these, five studies investigated frontal and occipital N-acetylaspartate/creatine and myo-inositol/creatine ratios, three studies assessed basal ganglia blood flow and ten studies investigated serotonin transporter (SERT) density in various regions. We found significantly decreased SERT density in eight of 13 investigated regions. Meta-regression indicated a positive association with abstinence, but none with lifetime episodes of use. Therefore, other variables (such as doses taken per occasion) might be more important determinants. Positive associations between time of abstinence and SERT density might indicate that these alterations are reversible to some extent. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between user and control groups in terms of neurochemical ratios in the frontal and occipital lobes and blood flow in the basal ganglia. Overall, MDMA user groups showed heavy use patterns and study quality was poor.
Topics: Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Brain; Hallucinogens; Humans; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
PubMed: 30439373
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.004 -
The Australian and New Zealand Journal... Jul 2023
Topics: Humans; Psilocybin; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Hallucinogens; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 37161273
DOI: 10.1177/00048674231174171 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) 2006The substance, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, is an amphetamine derivate. A mistaken belief that it is a safe drug of low toxicity and a long... (Review)
Review
The substance, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, is an amphetamine derivate. A mistaken belief that it is a safe drug of low toxicity and a long duration of action has led to its widespread popularity among teenagers and young adults in recent years. Unfortunately, ecstasy use has increased to epidemic proportions. In this review article pharmacokinetics and pathophysiology of MDMA, general medical adverse effects, cardiovascular effects, serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, neurologic effects, hepatotoxicity, and long-term neuropsychiatric effects, clinical features of toxicity, prehospital and emergency department care problems, and mortality/morbidity, prophylactic advices are discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Emergencies; Hallucinogens; Hospitalization; Humans; Hyponatremia; Liver; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Psychoses, Substance-Induced; Serotonin Syndrome; Substance-Related Disorders; Time Factors
PubMed: 16816548
DOI: No ID Found -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... May 2007Ecstasy, also known as MDMA (3,4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a popular illicit party drug amongst young adults. The drug induces a state of euphoria secondary to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ecstasy, also known as MDMA (3,4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a popular illicit party drug amongst young adults. The drug induces a state of euphoria secondary to its stimulant activity in the central nervous system.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A database review at two major inner city hospitals was undertaken to identify patients presenting with pneumomediastinum and their charts reviewed. A Medline review of all reported cases of pneumomediastinum associated with ecstasy abuse was undertaken.
RESULTS
A total of 56 patients presenting with pneumomediastinum were identified over a 5-year period. Review of the charts revealed a history of ecstasy use in the hours prior to presentation in six of these patients, representing the largest series reported to date.
CONCLUSIONS
Review of previously reported cases reveals the likely mechanism is due to Valsalva manoeuvre during periods of extreme physical exertion, and not a direct pharmacological effect of the drug.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Female; Hallucinogens; Humans; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Valsalva Maneuver
PubMed: 17535617
DOI: 10.1308/003588407X183373 -
The Journal of Family Planning and... Jul 2002
Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Crime Victims; Flunitrazepam; Forensic Medicine; Humans; Memory Disorders; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Rape; Sodium Oxybate; Substance-Related Disorders; Unconsciousness; Violence
PubMed: 16259825
DOI: 10.1783/147118902101196496 -
Tidsskrift For Den Norske Laegeforening... Oct 2011
Topics: Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Hallucinogens; Humans; Illicit Drugs; Male; Methamphetamine; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Seizures
PubMed: 22016127
DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.11.0950 -
Lancet (London, England) Nov 2003
Topics: Emotions; History, 17th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Humans; Mental Disorders; Mysticism; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Religion and Psychology
PubMed: 14654346
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14928-8