The Complications of 'Ecstasy' (MDMA)
JAMA – March 18, 1988
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A nearly fatal toxic reaction to MDMA was reported, with blood levels reaching 6,500 and 7,000 ng/mL after doses of 100 to 150 mg. Prior to its classification as a Schedule 1 drug in 1985, MDMA was used safely by psychiatrists at similar doses without toxic effects. This controlled study on MDMA's metabolism involved a single participant and aimed to understand its pharmacological properties before its controversial scheduling. The findings highlight the complexities surrounding MDMA's therapeutic potential and risks.
Abstract
To the Editor. —Drs Brown and Osterloh,1in a recent letter inTHE JOURNAL, reported a nearly fatal toxic reaction to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The estimated dose of MDMA administered was 100 to 150 mg and the blood levels, measured at one and two hours after hospital admission, were 6500 and 7000 ng/mL, respectively. Before MDMA became a Schedule 1 drug on July 1, 1985,2it was used in doses of 100 to 150 mg by some psychiatrists who claimed that it was effective as a psychotropic catalyst and a sensory disinhibitor; at these doses, no toxic effects were reported. (The experiment was performed on March 12, 1985, before the scheduling of MDMA and was carried out by one of us [J.A.] in partial requirement for the degree of Doctor of Physiology.) At that time, we carried out a controlled study of MDMA metabolism and disposition in a single