Serotonergic function after (±)3,4-methylene-dioxymethamphetarnine (‘Ecstasy’) in humans
International Clinical Psychopharmacology January 1, 1998 Gilberto Gerra, A. Zaimovic, Giuliano Giucastro et al. 145 citations
Chronic use of MDMA (Ecstasy) is associated with impaired serotonin system function and behavioral changes. Fifteen MDMA users without other drug dependencies showed significantly reduced prolactin and cortisol responses to a D-fenfluramine challenge compared to 15 control individuals, indicating serotonergic dysfunction. Clinically, users exhibited dysphoria, mood changes, tiredness, and sensation-seeking behavior. They scored higher on depression, hostility, and novelty-seeking measures. Prolactin responses negatively correlated with direct aggressiveness and novelty-seeking scores. The findings suggest a link between MDMA use and serotonin impairment, though a premorbid condition contributing to these differences cannot be ruled out.