Pill content, dose and resulting plasma concentrations of 3,4‐methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in recreational ‘ecstasy’ users
Addiction – February 14, 2011
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ecstasy pills often contain MDMA, with doses ranging from 0 to 245 mg per pill. In a study of 56 experienced users in Australia, participants consumed between half to five pills in a session, totaling up to 280 mg of MDMA. Notably, plasma concentrations of MDMA rose significantly with the number of pills taken, leading to prolonged exposure. Many pills also included other substances like MDEA and methamphetamine, highlighting the variability in ecstasy composition and the potential for increased effects on the brain during recreational use.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Aims To improve our understanding of the pharmacology of ‘ecstasy’ in recreational environments; in particular, to describe the composition of ecstasy pills, patterns of ecstasy use and the relationship between dose of 3,4‐methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and resulting plasma concentrations. Design, setting and participants A naturalistic observational study of 56 experienced ‘ecstasy’ users in recreational settings in Australia. Measurements Drug use patterns (number of pills consumed, other drugs consumed). drug content of pills and resultant plasma concentrations of MDMA and related drugs were assessed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Findings Ecstasy pills generally contained MDMA, but this was often combined with other drugs such as 3,4‐methylendioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) and methamphetamine. The dose of MDMA per pill ranged from 0 to 245 mg and users consumed from one‐half to five pills, with the total dose consumed ranging up to 280 mg. Plasma concentrations of MDMA increased with number of pills consumed and cumulative MDMA dose. Use of larger numbers of pills was associated with extended exposure to the drug. Conclusions MDMA is the major active drug in ecstasy pills, but there is a high degree of variation in doses. Use of multiple pills over the course of one session is common and results in a sustained increase in MDMA plasma concentrations over a number of hours. This is likely to lead to a much greater exposure of the brain to MDMA than would be predicted from controlled single‐dose pharmacokinetic studies.