Chapter 15: Ecstasy Flashcards
It is banned in Canada, the USA, and UK since 1985 due to what?
- neurotoxic effects seen in both rats and humans (death via serotonin releasing cells)
When was it originally synthesized? For what function?
- 90 years ago
- appetite suppressant
Originally it was used as a ___ drug. Which means?
- designer drug
L> not subjected to legislation
MDMA is a potent releaser of what four NT’s?
- 5-HT (serotonin)
- DA (dopamine)
- NE (Norepinephrine )
- Acetylcholine (ACh)
Subjectively MDMA induces both ___ like and ___ like effects but usually without the ___ produced by __. (except in higher doses)
- LSD, amphetamines, hallucinations, LSD
In animals , MDMA will generalize to what drug and not what other?
- amphetamine
- but not LSD
What are the most common positive subjective effects of MDMA? (6)
- changes in feelings and emotions > 2. increase in communication, empathy and understanding in interactions with others> 3. cognitive insights> 4. euphoria> 5. perceptual distortions or hallucinations> 6. transcendental or religious experiences
What are the most common negative effects of MDMA?
8
- elevation of bp and pulse > 2. muscle tension and jaw clenching > 3. fatigue > 4. insomnia > 5. sweating > 6. Blurred vision > 7. loss of motor control > 8. anxiety
Can induce Serotonin Syndrome, symptoms?(6)
- disorientation and confusion
- agitation and restlessness
- fever and shivering
- profuse sweating
- impaired coordination
- involuntary muscle contractions
It can cause loss of heat regulation which can damage what three things?
-muscles, liver and kidneys
It can trigger epileptiform seizures, description?
- brief episodes of abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain..
- thrashing, loss of awareness
- epilepsy (unprovoked recurrent)
Most frequently reported long term effects (Verheyden et al. 2003)
- Development of tolerance to positive effects, while negative effects increase - stat?
- Impaired ability to concentrate - stat?
- Depression - stat?
- feeling more open towards people - stat?
- 59%
- 38%
- 37%
- 31%
MDMA is ____ to serotonergic neurons aka ___ degeneration.
- neurotoxic, axon
After use of MDMA in animals, cerebral levels of 5-HT __ and can last for months (rats) or years (primates).
- decline
In humans, use of MDMA. There is some evidence for ___ neurotoxicity but it is complicated by ___ use (common) and ___ of MDMA with other drugs.
- 5-HT
- polydrug
- adulteration (cutting agents…..reduce the amount of expensive product in illicit drugs)