Sleep EEG effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDE; “Eve”) in healthy volunteers

Abstract

3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDE; “Eve”) exert similar psychotropic effects in humans as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “Ecstasy”) and is lees toxic in animal studies. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) study with healthy volunteers. One hundred forty milligrams of MDE or placebo were administered PO in six subjects at 11 pm. Sleep EEG was registered from 11 pm-7 am the next morning. All subjects had a normal sleep onset altency. They all awoke 60 to 120 min after administration of MDE and stayed awake for at least 150 min (total sleep time, TST MDE < placebo and intermittent time awake MDE > placebo: p < 0.001). After again falling asleep rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was totally suppressed (REM during time in bed, TIB MDE < placebo: p < 0.001). A cyclic alternation of relatively long periods of slow wave sleep (SWS) with periods of light sleep occured in three subjects during the second part of the night (stage 4 in second part of night MDE > placebo: p = 0.16). The effects of MDE on sleep variables largely demonstrate the stimulant, amphetamine-like properties of MDE.