The Norepinephrine Transporter Inhibitor Reboxetine Reduces Stimulant Effects of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) in Humans
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics June 15, 2011 C.m. Hysek, Linda D. Simmler, M. Ineichen et al. 153 citations
Blocking the norepinephrine transporter with reboxetine reduces the cardiovascular and subjective stimulant effects of MDMA (ecstasy) in humans, even though MDMA and its active metabolite reach higher concentrations in the blood. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 16 healthy adults, reboxetine lowered MDMA-induced increases in plasma norepinephrine, blood pressure, heart rate, drug high, stimulation, and emotional excitement. The findings indicate that transporter-mediated norepinephrine release is essential for MDMA's cardiovascular and stimulant-like effects.