Pharmacological aspects of the combined use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB): a review of the literature
Drug and Alcohol Review July 1, 2005 Joachim D. Uys, Raymond J.m. Niesink 35 citations
Club drug use, particularly the combination of ecstasy (MDMA) and gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB), is increasing. This review describes the subjective effects of the MDMA/GHB combination and reviews the individual actions of MDMA on serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline systems, as well as GHB's actions on these systems. It is postulated that GHB attenuates the unpleasant or dysphoric effects of MDMA by its effect on the central dopaminergic system. Studies investigating combinations of psychoactive substances are limited, and awareness of this phenomenon and the pharmacology of these drugs is important for effective prevention.