Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’) and para-methoxyamphetamine on striatal 5-HT when co-administered with moclobemide
Brain Research March 8, 2005 Alexander Freezer, Abdallah Salem, Rodney J. Irvine 34 citations
Co-administration of MDMA with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor moclobemide increases extracellular serotonin in the rat striatum to levels comparable to those produced by PMA, a more toxic recreational drug. MDMA alone raised serotonin by 590%, PMA by 360%. When moclobemide was given before MDMA, serotonin increased by 980%, and serotonin-related behaviors also increased. PMA is also a potent MAO-A inhibitor, which may explain its greater toxicity. These findings suggest that combining MDMA with moclobemide may produce serotonin-related toxicity similar to that of PMA.