Effects of MDMA on body temperature in humans
Temperature October 31, 2014 Matthias E Liechti 64 citations
MDMA (Ecstasy) causes a dose-dependent rise in core body temperature of 0.2–0.8°C in healthy subjects under controlled conditions, but moderately hyperthermic temperatures above 38.0°C occur frequently at higher doses even without physical activity. The hyperthermia results from MDMA releasing norepinephrine, which increases metabolic heat generation and causes cutaneous vasoconstriction that impairs heat dissipation. The role of serotonin is unclear. Severe hyperthermia is managed with sedation, intravenous fluids, cooling, and mechanical ventilation.