Psychopharmacology (Berl)
April 13, 2019
M. V. Uthaug, R. Lancelotta, K. Van Oorsouw et al.
198 citations
A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is associated with sustained improvements in life satisfaction and mindfulness-related capacities, along with a reduction in psychopathological symptoms.
Journal of Psychopharmacology
March 1, 2006
C. T. J. Lamers, A. Bechara, M. Rizzo et al.
113 citations
People who use both MDMA (ecstasy) and marijuana (THC) report more depression and anxiety than those who use only THC or no drugs. Memory is impaired in both drug-using groups. MDMA/THC users have slower psychomotor speed and less mental flexibility than non-users. THC users show less mental flexibility and worse decision-making than non-users, but these deficits are similar to those in MDMA/THC users. The findings suggest that some cognitive impairments previously attributed to MDMA may actually be due to concurrent THC use, while MDMA use is specifically linked to increased depression and anxiety.
Addiction
August 8, 2006
J. G. Ramaekers, K. P. C. Kuypers, N. Samyn
90 citations
MDMA, a popular recreational drug in Europe, has stimulant-like effects on driving that vary by task. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 18 recreational MDMA users took 75 mg MDMA, 20 mg methylphenidate, or placebo. During the intoxication phase (3–5 hours after dosing), both MDMA and methylphenidate improved road-tracking performance, reducing the standard deviation of lateral position by about 2 cm compared to placebo. However, MDMA impaired car-following performance, causing subjects to overcorrect in response to speed changes of a leading vehicle. No driving impairments were observed during the withdrawal phase (27–29 hours after dosing).
Psychopharmacology (Berl)
January 24, 2022
Kim van Oorsouw, S. W. Toennes, J. G. Ramaekers
71 citations
In 20 clinically depressed patients, a single ayahuasca ceremony was followed by reduced depressive symptoms that persisted for up to one year. Average Beck's Depression Inventory scores dropped from 22.7 before the ceremony to 8.88 at one-year follow-up. Remission rates were 12 out of 20 after one day, 13 out of 19 after one month, and 12 out of 17 after one year. Three participants remained mildly depressed at one month and one year; two did not respond and stayed at moderate or severe levels. Improvements in depression and mental health correlated with the degree of ego dissolution experienced during the ceremony. Additional treatments or psychedelic use may have contributed to long-term gains. Ayahuasca shows therapeutic potential for clinical depression.
WIREs Forensic Science
November 7, 2023
F. Vinckenbosch, Dinesh Durán Jiménez, H. Helmerhorst et al.
Recreational use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is common and produces dissociative, euphoric effects along with ataxia, hypoxia, and reduced consciousness. Despite these effects, which seem incompatible with safe driving, the Netherlands has seen a sharp increase in police reports of nitrous oxide-related traffic incidents since 2016, and similar incidents have been reported in the United Kingdom. This review concludes that driving under the influence of nitrous oxide (DUINO) is a potentially significant but underreported threat to road safety. Based on the drug's pharmacodynamics and documented cognitive and psychomotor effects, severe driving impairment is almost certain. Detection in breath, blood, and saliva is possible, but more research on analytical techniques is needed.