Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
March 31, 2020
Esther Papaseit, Clara Pérez‐mañá, Marta Torrens et al.
34 citations
MDMA (ecstasy) is a widely used recreational stimulant. Users often combine it with other drugs to enhance effects, reduce toxicity, or manage comedowns, which increases the risk of severe toxicity. This review covers known interactions between MDMA and other pharmaceuticals or drugs of abuse, offering clinical recommendations. The authors note that few published studies exist and documented clinically significant interactions are scarce. Experimental evidence shows that interactions are especially relevant when MDMA is taken with drugs metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme, due to MDMA's inhibitory effect, and during repeated MDMA use.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
February 15, 2022
Lourdes Poyatos, A Acuna Torres, Esther Papaseit et al.
26 citations
Cathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and diethylpropion produce stimulant and euphorigenic effects similar to amphetamines and MDMA, with varying intensities that may correspond to different levels of abuse potential. This systematic review of 18 studies (5 on cathinone, 7 on mephedrone, 1 on methylone, 5 on diethylpropion) found that all four substances induce desirable and reinforcing effects that could lead to misuse and addiction. The authors conclude that further investigation is needed to minimize and prevent their impact on society and public health.
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
January 5, 2018
Esther Papaseit, Marta Torrens, Clara Pérez‐mañá et al.
20 citations
MDMA (ecstasy) produces amphetamine-like euphoria and well-being, increases empathy, and induces pro-social effects that drive recreational use and suggest therapeutic potential. This review examines interindividual differences in MDMA's pharmacodynamics, focusing on sex-gender, race-ethnicity, genetic differences, interactions, acute toxicity, and therapeutic use. Acute MDMA effects are more pronounced in women than men. Very limited data exist on race-ethnicity effects. MDMA metabolism involves polymorphic enzymes that slightly alter plasma concentrations and effects. The small number of subjects in acute-effect trials limits evaluation of interindividual factors and prevents clear conclusions about their influence, which should be considered in therapeutic studies.