MDMA, methamphetamine and their combination: possible lessons for party drug users from recent preclinical research
Drug and Alcohol Review January 1, 2007 Kelly J. Clemens, Iain S. Mcgregor, Glenn E. Hunt et al. 55 citations
The substituted amphetamines MDMA (Ecstasy) and methamphetamine (METH, ice, speed) are increasingly popular among party-drug users. Human studies of their acute and long-term adverse effects are often ambiguous due to confounding factors. Animal models show that intravenous METH is a potent reinforcer, while MDMA enhances social behavior. Brief exposure to either drug can cause long-term reductions in dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in the brain and alter receptor and transporter proteins, though whether this reflects neurotoxicity remains unclear, especially for MDMA. Lasting changes in social behavior, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and memory have been observed in rats, matching some human findings. MDMA/METH combinations may produce greater adverse effects than either drug alone, a concern given that party drug users may frequently encounter this combination.