3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans
Addiction May 1, 1994 Thomas Steele, Una D. Mccann, George A. Ricaurte 295 citations
MDMA (Ecstasy) produces a mix of stimulant and psychedelic effects mediated by brain monoamines, especially serotonin and dopamine. It also shows toxic activity toward brain serotonin neurons in animals, including non-human primates, at doses close to those used by humans. Whether MDMA is neurotoxic in humans remains under investigation, but documented adverse effects include systemic complications and neuropsychiatric consequences involving mood, cognition, and anxiety. Because MDMA use is restricted, retrospective clinical observations are a primary source of human data. This article reviews MDMA's behavioral pharmacology and toxicology to help clinicians recognize MDMA-related syndromes and understand serotonin's role in health and disease.