3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 as an appetite suppressant but was never marketed. It is a white, water-soluble solid with a bitter taste. Its two isomers have different pharmacological and metabolic effects. Since the 1970s, MDMA and its analog MDA have been used in psychoanalysis to enhance conversation and introspection; MDMA was briefly legally available for psychiatric use in the United States. Due to its abuse potential and reported neurotoxicity, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classified MDMA as a Schedule I substance in 1986.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The initial chemical synthesis of MDMA was in 1912 (33). The drug was originally prepared as an anorectic agent but was never marketed for this purpose. MDMA forms salts with several acids and, as such, is a white solid at room temperature. It is soluble in water and has a bitter taste (33 ). The ( + )-(S)-isomer and the (-)-(R)­isomer exhibit somewhat different pharmacological and metabolic profiles. Since the 1970s, MDMA and congener methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) have been used in psychoanalysis (38); MDMA was for a time, legally avail­able in the United States for psychiatric use as a conversa­tion enhancer and promoter of introspection. Because of the abuse potential as a street drug and reported neurotoxicity, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration placed MDMA in Schedule I status in 1986 (10).