MDMA Wikipedia

MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, is a synthetic molecule of the substituted amphetamine class. Molecules of the amphetamine class all contain a phenethylamine core comprised of a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain, with an additional methyl substitution at Rα. In addition to this, MDMA contains a methyl substitution on RN, a feature it shares with methamphetamine. Critically, the MDMA molecule also contains substitutions at R3 and R4 of the phenyl ring with oxygen groups — these oxygen groups are incorporated into a methylenedioxy ring through a methylene bridge. MDMA shares this methylenedioxy ring with other entactogens and stimulants like MDA, MDEA and MDAI.

It has appeared as an unwanted impurity in a heroin-like (opiate) drug called MPPP, causing the people who took the contaminated drug to ‘freeze up’ by destroying dopamine neurons in the brain, just as Parkinson’s disease does. Water intoxication symptoms typically show up when a person consumes more than about 3-4 liters of water within an hour.6263 Also, an important cause of death following MDMA use is hyponatremia, low blood sodium levels as a result of drinking too much water. Subjective effects include stimulation, anxiety suppression, disinhibition, enhanced empathy and sociability, relaxation, and euphoria. It is classified as an entactogen due to how it facilitates feelings of closeness with one’s self and others. A notable property of MDMA is that tolerance builds unusually quickly and many users report that it dramatically loses effectiveness if used on a frequent basis.

• When used in therapy, MDMA has been reported to increase empathy, closeness between patient and therapist, relaxation, motivation to engage with therapy and introspective thought, and reduce depression and anxiety.
• Acute adverse effects of MDMA are usually the result of high amounts or multiple doses; either when done too frequently or excessively within a 24 hour period.
• Also, there is evidence that people who develop a rash that looks like acne after using this drug may be at risk of severe side effects, including liver damage, if they continue to use the drug.
• It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects.
• Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.

Harm reduction

With FDA approval granted in 2017, MDMA has been authorized for use in research related to psychotherapy.4 A large proportion of this research has been focused on treating PTSD and major depressive disorder. Continuous activity without sufficient rest or rehydration may cause the user’s body temperature to rise to dangerous levels, and loss of fluid via excessive sweating puts the body at further risk as the stimulating and euphoric qualities of MDMA may cause the user to become oblivious to their physical condition. If using one of these classic psychedelics, like LSD or shrooms, we strongly recommend reading the acid/shrooms/psychedelics guide Tripsafe.

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy

Although MDMA was not named explicitly in this legislation, the order extended the definition of Class A drugs to include various ring-substituted phenethylamines.317318 The drug is therefore illegal to sell, buy, or possess without a licence in the UK. Penalties include a maximum of seven years and/or unlimited fine for possession; life and/or unlimited fine for production or trafficking. MDMA exhibits cross-tolerance with all dopaminergic and serotonergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of MDMA all stimulants will have a reduced effect.

Is there a treatment for MDMA addiction?

Today, the drug is still used by a broader group of people who more commonly call it Ecstasy or Molly. MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with a chemical structure similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. In the United Kingdom, MDMA was made illegal in 1977 by a modification order to the existing Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Transpersonal effects

Abusers may also use in conjunction with other psychoactive drugs like LSD. As with many other «party drugs», ecstasy is rarely used alone and it is frequently combined with alcohol and marijuana. This myth may come from an experiment where researchersaccidentally gave methamphetamine (crystal meth) to laboratory monkeys instead of MDMA. There is a mdma wikipedia horribly toxic chemical with a four-letter acronym, MPTP, which does cause parkinsonism.

It is usually recommended to wait for one to three months between each use to give the brain adequate time to restore serotonin levels and avoid toxicity. Additionally, using excessively high doses and multiple redosing is highly discouraged as this is thought to significantly increase the toxicity of MDMA. MDMA exerts its primary effects in the brain on neurons that use the chemicals serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine to communicate with other neurons. Users may take several tablets at once or in succession over a period of time.

• Users may take several tablets at once or in succession over a period of time.
• Saxenda (liraglutide) injection is used for weight loss in obese or overweight patients.
• Critically, the MDMA molecule also contains substitutions at R3 and R4 of the phenyl ring with oxygen groups — these oxygen groups are incorporated into a methylenedioxy ring through a methylene bridge.
• In addition, fentanyl has been increasingly found cut into other street drugs, often unknown by the user and leading to fatalities.

Users are advised to pay close attention to their water intake, drinking neither too much nor too little, and to take care not to overexert themselves to avoid heat-stroke, which can be fatal. It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance. Analogues of MDA include its positional isomer 2,3-methylenedioxyamphetamine (2,3-MDA) and others. Saxenda (liraglutide) injection is used for weight loss in obese or overweight patients. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and obstructive sleep … Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

In Australia, MDMA was rescheduled on 1 July 2023 as a schedule 8 substance (available on prescription) when used in the treatment of PTSD, while remaining a schedule 9 substance (prohibited) for all other uses. For the treatment of PTSD, MDMA can only be prescribed by psychiatrists with specific training and authorisation.302In 1986, MDMA was declared an illegal substance because of its allegedly harmful effects and potential for misuse.303 Any non-authorised sale, use or manufacture is strictly prohibited by law. Permits for research uses on humans must be approved by a recognized ethics committee on human research. As with other stimulants, the chronic use of MDMA can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if one suddenly stops their usage.

This results in users having to administer increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects. “Severe dopaminergic neurotoxicity in primates after a common recreational dose regimen of MDMA”77 is an article by George A. Ricaurte which was published in September 2002 in the peer-reviewed journal Science, one of the world’s top academic journals. It was later retracted; instead of using MDMA, methamphetamine had been used in the test. Scientific study has resulted in the general agreement that, although it is physically safe to try in a responsible context, the administration of repeated or high dosages of MDMA is most certainly neurotoxic in some form.