Chemistry and Pharmacology of Hallucinogens, Entactogens and Stimulants
Pharmacopsychiatry – July 01, 1998
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A striking finding reveals that 28 newly identified compounds from the amphetamine and tryptamine series demonstrate hallucinogenic effects surpassing those of mescaline. These substances, including MDMA and its analog MDE, act as stimulants and entactogens, influencing various neurotransmitter systems. Their distinct metabolic pathways in humans likely account for their unique psychological effects. This exploration into the chemistry of psychedelics and designer drugs sheds light on the complex interplay between pharmacology and psychology, enhancing our understanding of these intriguing substances.
Abstract
Amphetamines, tryptamines, phencyclidines, tetrahydrocannabinol and substances of the ecstasy group are characterized as stimulants, hallucinogens and entactogens. The various effects of each group and their mode of action in different transmitter systems are described. 28 new compounds of the amphetamine and tryptamine series has been calculated, which exceed the hallucinogenic effects of mescaline. The different pathways of the metabolism of MDMA (ecstasy) and MDE in humans may probably explain their individual effects.