Use Of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Research Articles

Wastewater surveillance to assess cocaine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine use trends during a major music festival in Brazil.

Wastewater-based epidemiology was applied in northeastern Brazil during a dance festival, revealing that cocaine consumption doubled during the event days. The daily drug loads were 0.95 ±0.03 to 11.4±0.4g/day for BE, 1.8±0.4 to 7.6±0.3g/day for COC, 0.04 ±0.02 to 0.19 ±0.02 g/day for COE, and 0.08 ±0.02 to 0.80 ±0.02 g/day for MDMA.

Eutylone Intoxications-An Emerging Synthetic Stimulant in Forensic Investigations.

Synthetic stimulants are the largest class of novel psychoactive substances identified each year by forensic laboratories internationally. While hundreds of these drugs appear in drug powders, only a few proliferate in use among forensically relevant populations and eventually emerge in postmortem and clinical investigations. Beta-keto-methylenedioxyamphetamines (i.e., novel psychoactive substances with names ending in "ylone") are currently the most popular subclass of synthetic stimulants. Leading up to its federal scheduling in 2018, N-ethyl pentylone was the most encountered synthetic stimulant. The popularity of N-ethyl pentylone declined once it was scheduled, but it was quickly replaced by eutylone (bk-EBDB), a structurally related analog from the same family. In cases encountered between January 2019 and April 2020, eutylone was quantitatively confirmed in 83 forensic investigations, including postmortem cases and driving under the influence of drugs cases. Matrix types included blood, urine and tissue. Eutylone was identified in cases submitted from 13 states, demonstrating proliferation around the United States; Florida accounted for 60% of the positive cases. The mean concentration of eutylone in postmortem blood was 1,020 ng/mL (standard deviation = ±2,242 ng/mL; median = 110 ng/mL, range = 1.2-11,000 ng/mL, n = 67). The mean concentration of eutylone in blood from driving under the influence of drugs cases was 942 ng/mL (standard deviation = ±1,407 ng/mL; median = 140 ng/mL, range = 17-3,600 ng/mL, n = 7). This report includes cause and manner of death data for 22 postmortem cases. Further analysis of authentic human specimens revealed the presence of three eutylone metabolites, including one unique biomarker and one metabolite in common with butylone. Laboratories should be aware that eutylone may be present in cases of suspected Ecstasy, "Molly" and/or methylenedioxymethamphetamine use, causing or contributing to impairment or death.

Elucidating the neurotoxic effects of MDMA and its analogs

AimsThere is a rapid increase in the use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its structural congeners/analogs globally. MDMA and MDMA-analogs have been synthesized illegally in furtive dwellings and are abused due to its addictive potential. Furthermore, MDMA and MDMA-analogs have shown to have induced several adverse effects. Hence, understanding the mechanisms mediating this neurotoxic insult of MDMA-analogs is of immense importance for the public health in the world. Main methodsWe synthesized and investigated the neurotoxic effects of MDMA and its analogs [4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 2, 6-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), and N-ethyl-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDEA)]. The stimulatory or the dopaminergic agonist effects of MDMA and MDMA-analogs were elucidated using the established 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned animal model. Additionally, we also investigated the neurotoxic mechanisms of MDMA and MDMA-analogs on mitochondrial complex-I activity and reactive oxygen species generation. Key findingsMDMA and MDMA-analogs exhibited stimulatory activity as compared to amphetamines and also induced several behavioral changes in the rodents. MDMA and MDMA-analogs enhanced the reactive oxygen generation and inhibited mitochondrial complex-I activity which can lead to neurodegeneration. Hence the mechanism of neurotoxicity, MDMA and MDMA-analogs can enhance the release of monoamines, alter the monoaminergic neurotransmission, and augment oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities leading to neurotoxicity. SignificanceThus, our study will help in developing effective pharmacological and therapeutic approaches for the treatment of MDMA and MDMA-analog abuse.

Acute myocardial infarction in pregnancy following unlicensed use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘ecstasy’)

Acute myocardial infarction is rare in pregnancy; however, the emerging trend towards advanced maternal age and the rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes suggest that more cases of myocardial infarction are likely to be encountered in pregnancy. However, there is scanty evidence on the risk of myocardial infarction with regard to socially misused substances in pregnancy. We describe the management of a case of acute myocardial infarction following unlicensed use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy') in pregnancy. The case highlights a rare but serious risk associated with substance misuse in pregnancy.

Sleep apnea in young abstinent recreational MDMA (“ecstasy”) consumers

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") is a popular recreational drug of abuse and a selective brain serotonin neurotoxin. Functional consequences of MDMA neurotoxicity have defied ready characterization. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common form of sleep-disordered breathing in which brain serotonin dysfunction may play a role. The present study sought to determine whether abstinent recreational MDMA users have an increased prevalence of OSA. We studied 71 medically healthy recreational MDMA users and 62 control subjects using all-night sleep polysomnography in a controlled inpatient research setting. Rates of apneas, hypopneas, and apnea hypopnea indices were compared in the 2 groups, controlling for body mass index, age, race, and gender. Recreational MDMA users who had been drug free for at least 2 weeks had significantly increased rates of obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea compared with controls. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for sleep apnea (mild, moderate, and severe combined) in MDMA users during non-REM sleep was 8.5 (2.4-30.4), which was greater than that associated with obesity [6.9 (1.7-28.2)]. Severity of OSA was significantly related to lifetime MDMA exposure. These findings suggest that prior recreational methylenedioxymethamphetamine use increases the risk for obstructive sleep apnea and lend support to the notion that brain serotonin neuronal dysfunction plays a role in the pathophysiology of sleep apnea.

The development and validation of the methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) beliefs questionnaire (MDMA-BQ) in college students

Approximately 15% of individuals aged 18–35 currently report use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In order to identify and assess the subjective effects of MDMA, the MDMA Beliefs Questionnaire (MDMA-BQ) was developed and validated on a sample of college students. Participants (N = 913) responded to items describing possible outcomes of using MDMA. Principal components analyses (PCA) revealed a five-factor solution. The five scales were named: (a) Global Positive Effects; (b) Safety; (c) Health Risks; (d) Psychological Consequences; and (e) Dose/Mixing Effects. The MDMA-BQ scale scores were associated with level of MDMA use. Overall, nonusers’ scale scores for negative outcomes associated with MDMA were higher than individuals who endorsed having used MDMA once or more, and participants who had used MDMA rated the positive outcome expectancies higher than nonusers. Findings are consistent with previous research and provide evidence of construct validity for the MDMA-BQ. In a second study, scores on the Global Positive Effects, Safety, Health Risks, and Dose/Mixing Effects scales of the MDMA-BQ predicted subsequent self-reported MDMA use and intent to use MDMA in hypothetical scenarios. The MDMA-BQ appears to be a useful psychometric tool in MDMA use research.

Family, peer and individual factors related to methylenedioxymethamphetamine use in Taiwanese adolescents

Examination of the correlates of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use is crucial for the development and implementation of effective prevention programs for adolescents. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify the family, peer and individual factors that were related to MDMA use in Taiwanese adolescents. Two hundred adolescents who used MDMA and 200 who did not use MDMA were recruited into the study. The family, peer and individual factors related to MDMA use were examined using chi(2) automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis. The results indicated that the adolescents who had more friends involved with substance use, disruptive family and attitude favoring MDMA use were more likely to use MDMA. Multiple factors of family, peer and individuals were related to MDMA use among Taiwanese adolescents. This knowledge may be helpful when designing and implementing preventive intervention programs.

Neonatal 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) exposure alters neuronal protein kinase A activity, serotonin and dopamine content, and [ 35S]GTPγS binding in adult rats

Recreational use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has dramatically increased among juveniles and young adults of child-bearing age, and the potential for fetal exposure has increased. For this reason, it is surprising that comparatively few studies have assessed the long-term impact of early MDMA exposure on serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter systems. The purpose of this study was to determine whether repeated exposure to MDMA during the preweanling period would cause long-term changes in 5-HT and DA functioning. Rats were treated with saline or 20 mg/kg MDMA (two injections per day) from postnatal day (PD) 11–20. At PD 90, rats were killed, and their dorsal striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were removed. 5-HT and DA content, as well as their metabolites, were measured using HPLC. In addition, cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activity and agonist-stimulated [ 35S]GTPγS binding was assayed using tissue homogenates from each brain region. Results indicated that early MDMA exposure caused a decrease in PKA activity and 5-HT content in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus while increasing the efficacy of 5-HT 1A receptors as measured by agonist-stimulated [ 35S]GTPγS binding. Additionally, DA content was reduced in the dorsal striatum and prefrontal cortex. These data indicate that early MDMA exposure has long-term effects on the 5-HT and DA neurotransmitter systems that may be mediated, at least partially, by changes in 5-HT 1A receptor sensitivity.

The “E” in Rave: A Profile of Young Ecstasy (MDMA) Users

The use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or Ecstasy is a phenomenon that has established itself In the widespread Rave culture. Ecstasy use causes physical, social and psychological problems in the development of adolescents and it may also influence their concentration and learning abilities. To prevent these problems, educators should be well-informed regarding current drug use trends and also be capable of assisting adolescents. Research regarding the nature of Ecstasy use is lacking nationally. The purpose of this research was therefore to furnish educators with accurate information that will enable them to obtain a reference point from which assistance can be offered to young Ecstasy users and potential Ecstasy users.

MDMA (‘ecstasy’) use, and its association with high risk behaviors, mental health, and other factors among gay/bisexual men in New York City

This study assesses patterns of use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’), and the characteristics of users, in a sample of 733 men who have sex with men (MSM) in New York City. Among respondents, 13.7% reported using MDMA in the past 6 months, with mean frequency of use of 6.24 times in that period. MDMA users were found to be younger, less educated, to have had more male partners, more one night stands with men, more visits to bars or clubs and sex clubs or bathhouses, to have unprotected anal sex with a male, to be likely to have been the victim of physical domestic violence, to have more gay/bisexual friends, to have disclosed their sexual orientation to more friends, family members, and coworkers, and to have higher levels of gay community participation and affiliation. Among MDMA users, higher frequency of MDMA use was associated with being younger, having more visits to bars or clubs, more gay/bisexual friends, and having an HIV negative test result or never having been tested. MDMA users thus constitute a group at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and other problems. The data suggest that MDMA use is associated with being more ‘out’, which may be advantageous in helping gay men deal with harmful psychological effects of stigma, but may place individuals in settings that expose them to MDMA. These men have also presumably already been well exposed to safer sex messages within the gay community, thus raising challenges for interventions aimed at prevention, as well as opportunities (e.g. MSM and community specific interventions) that need to be further explored.

Former chronic methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) users report mild depressive symptoms.

Previous work has indicated recreational use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) is associated with elevated scores on self-report measures of depression. We sought to examine the long-term effects of consumption on depression in a group of individuals who had consumed large quantities of the drug in the past, but were now leading relatively drug free lives. Respondents to this study (n = 29) had consumed an average of 1.5 ecstasy tablets in the last month, 8.4 in the last 6 months and 23.3 in the last 12 months. The estimated total consumed was 527 tablets, indicating that these respondents were indeed former chronic users of the drug. None of the respondents had consumed ecstasy in the last 14 days. Levels of depression (Beck's Depression Inventory) were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated compared to a matched non-drug using control group. Within the group of former chronic users, these levels of depression were not significantly affected by current use of alcohol, cannabis or amphetamine, but were positively correlated with an external locus of control (p < 0.05), infrequent but severe- (p < 0.05) and frequent but mild- (p < 0.005) self-report measures of life stress. Multiple regression indicated that levels of frequent but mild life stress (p < 0.005) and the quantity of ecstasy tablets respondents consumed over a 12-h period (p < 0.05) were the only variables that were significant predictors of self-reported levels of depression. The results of this study indicate that former chronic ecstasy users report higher levels of depression than their matched controls.

Traffic Fatality Related to the Use of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

A recent traffic fatality has been attributed to the use of the drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The deceased was a 29-year-old white male with no known history of drug abuse. Toxicological analysis detected MDMA and metabolite methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) in the blood, urine, and vitreous humor specimens submitted for analysis. The concentrations of MDMA in clotted blood, sodium fluoride-potassium oxalate anticoagulated blood, vitreous humor, and urine were 2.32 mg/L, 2.14 mg/L, 1.11 mg/L, and 118.8 mg/L, respectively. The concentrations of the metabolite MDA were less than 0.25 mg/L in blood and vitreous, and 3.86 mg/L in the urine.

Adverse symptomatology and suicide associated with the use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “Ecstasy”)

Adverse symptomatology and suicide associated with the use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “Ecstasy”)

Psychosis and recreational use of MDMA (“Ecstasy”)

AbstractA seventeen year old man attended the National Drug Treatment Centre with a paranoid psychosis following ingestion of Methylene dioxy methamphetamine (MDMA). He had been taking MDMA on a recreational basis over a five month period. Although chronic psychosis after heavy use of MDMA has been reported there are no pervious reports of psychosis following recreational use. This report highlights the psychological dangers of this drug, which has become widely misused in Dublin over the last two years.