Ecstasy Flashcards
is ecstasy a stimulant or a depressant
stimulant
what was ecstasy originally patented for
to control bleeding from wounds
what two monoamines does MDMA increase the activity of
dopamine and serotonin
ecstasy has dose dependent effects, what is its effect in low doses
feelings of well-being, connection with others and heightened insight
what is its effect in high doses
hallucinogenic
name the 4 hormones that ecstasy increases the action of
serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and oxytocin
what is the effect of oxytocin
involved in affiliative behaviours - this is the love hormone which drives attachment between people
what is ecstasy’s effect on serotonin transmission
agonist of 5HT-2A receptors
blocks the serotonin transporter
what neurotransmitter does the feelings of fluidity of movement and increased happiness correspond with
dopamine
why is there a come down associated with MDMA
uptake pumps continue to remove serotonin from the synapse whilst MAO is breaking it down
therefore the number of serotonin receptors that are activated is reduced
which replenishes quicker: serotonin or dopamine
dopamine
what does the comedown facilitate
drug seeking behaviour - to life people out of this depressive state
name 3 acute behavioural effects of ecstasy
increased feelings of empathy
decreased aggressiveness
de-realisation
name 3 physiological effects of ecstasy use
jaw clenching
pupil dilation
increased BP and HR
how does hyperthermia and hypernatremia arise
ecstasy raises body temperatures by constricting blood vessels to slow heat loss
warm temperatures in the club and excessive dancing cause increase in body temperature
MDMA can mask the feelings of thirst - dehydration impairs sweating
however too much fluid is dangerous and can cause hypernatremia.
