MDMA/Ecstasy Flashcards
What is the structure of MDMA?
What is the 2 oxygen functionally important for MDMA?
The two oxygen create a preference for the 5-HT system.
Similar to Dopamine phenethylamine structure
How is ecstasy typically used?
Hint: Route of Administration
Most often orally
usually comes in a powder from –> pressed in a tablet
What is the Mechanism of Action(MOA) of MDMA?
Hint: There are a dominant MOA and four other ones.
Dominant MOA
MDMA work at monoaminergic synapses –> preference for the 5-HT system (the oxygen level ring create preference)
Binds presynaptic monoamine transporter (greatest effects via serotonergic cells) and makes it into an exchanger, causing a release of 5-HT (enhancing the release)
Inhibits Monoamine oxidase, found largely in presynaptic terminals, typically membrane-bound to mitochondria.
Inhibit Tryptophan Hydroxylase (rate-limiting enzymes for 5-HT)
Agonist at TAAR1
Agonist at post-synaptic 5-HT2 receptors
What are the acute effects of MDMA?
Hint: There are four categories
Stimulant
Increase motor activity –bruxism
Increase Temp
Increase HR and BP
Energizing
Behavioral/Psychological
Euphoria –> bridge of stimulants and psychedelics (have symptoms that are more reminisce) (Sudo psychedelics)
Mild changes in perception (light and sound)
Reduced inhibitions and anxiety
Emotional openness and empathy (entactogen) –> create a connection between you and people
Other (Physiology)
Induces secretion of vasopressin –> retain water
Induces production of oxytocin –> bonding Hormone
Withdrawal
Peaks at 4 days
Mood worsens
no significant set of dependence (event-driven drug)
What are some neuroadaptations/neurotoxicity effects when taking MDMA?
Depletion of 5-HT and metabolites
The decrease in SERT and 5 H2 receptors
Loss of fine axons from Raphe Nuclei
From the 2013 paper, what are the consequences of a single dose?
It will not change the DAT –> so MDMA is not effecting the DA system
but it is effecting the 5-HT system
What is the lesson from the retracted paper names “Severe DA toxicity from comm recreation dose of ecstasy” (2002)?
Do not believe in results from one paper or profession. The team that did the study mixed MDMA with AMPH so their result was false for MDMA effects.
