A review of acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in healthy volunteers
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2006 G. J. H. Dumont, R. J. Verkes 148 citations
A review of the literature on MDMA (ecstasy) in healthy volunteers found that the drug produces robust effects on subjective experiences and physiological measures, but evidence for cognitive effects is limited. Cardiovascular effects showed a clear dose-response relationship: doses below 1.0 mg/kg caused no change compared to placebo, while higher doses consistently increased heart rate and blood pressure. MDMA also reliably increased pupil size, plasma cortisol, and plasma prolactin levels. Subjective effects matched an entactogenic profile. The authors recommend further research, especially into cognitive effects and potential therapeutic uses.