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Wexler A, Dubinskaya A, Suyama J, Komisaruk BR, Anger J, Eilber K. Does MDMA have treatment potential in sexual dysfunction? A systematic review of outcomes across the female and male sexual response cycles. Sex Med Rev 2023; 12:26-34. [PMID: 37888490 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual health, an integral component of overall well-being, is frequently compromised by common yet underdiagnosed sexual dysfunctions. Traditional interventions encompass pharmaceutical and psychological treatments. Unconventional therapies, like MDMA, offer hope for sexual dysfunction. This review delves into MDMA's effects on sexual responsiveness and its potential role in treating sexual dysfunction. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review is to elucidate effects of MDMA on different domains of the female and male sexual response cycles. METHODS We conducted a systematic review on the effects of MDMA on each domain of the female and male sexual response cycles. PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were queried, and results were screened using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Search terms utilized were "MDMA" or "ecstasy" in combination with "desire," "arousal," "lubrication," "orgasm," "pleasure," "libido," "erection," and "ejaculation." Inclusion criteria for this review were MDMA use by study subjects and sexual outcomes in at least 1 domain of the female and/or male sexual response cycles were described and measured. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies (both prospective and retrospective), surveys, and literature reviews published between January 2000 and June 2022 were included. Case reports and studies that did not address conditions of interest were excluded from analysis. Duplicated search results were screened out. The remaining studies were then read in full text to ensure they met inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis. RESULTS We identified 181 studies, of which 6 met criteria for assessment of the female sexual response cycle and 8 met criteria for assessment of the male sexual response cycle. Four of 6 studies reported increased sexual desire with MDMA use among women. Arousal and lubrication were improved with MDMA use in 3 of 4 studies, but they were not affected in 1 randomized control study. In men, 7 studies evaluated the effects of MDMA on desire and/or arousal, 5 studies measured impact on erection, 3 on orgasm, and 2 on ejaculation. Sixty percent of interview-based studies reported increased sexual desire in men, while 40% reported mixed or no effect. Two studies reported impairment of erection, 2 reported mixed effects, and 1 reported fear of erection impairment. In both men and women, all studies evaluating orgasm reported delay in achieving orgasm but increased intensity and pleasure if achieved. Primary outcome measures were variable and largely qualitative. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that MDMA generally increases sexual desire and intensifies orgasm when achieved. While producing conflicting evidence on sexual arousal in both sexes, MDMA may impair erectile and ejaculatory function in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Wexler
- The Hebrew University- Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Alexandra Dubinskaya
- Los Angeles Institute for Pelvic and Sexual Medicine, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210, United States
| | - Julie Suyama
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 90213, United States
| | - Barry R Komisaruk
- Psychology Department, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, United States
| | - Jennifer Anger
- Division of Gender Affirming Surgery, Urologic Reconstruction, and Female Pelvic Medicine, Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Karyn Eilber
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, 90048, CA, United States
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Dahm G, Roschel K, Marson C, Bourmaud A, Macedo J, Lupo M, Fauchet L, Allar C, Schaaf R, Schneider S. Consumer expectations, drug effects, price and purity of heroin and cocaine purchased at drug consumption rooms. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:106. [PMID: 37542248 PMCID: PMC10403934 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug consumption rooms offer heroin and cocaine consumers a secure and hygienic environment including medical and social guidance. Despite the support and mentoring, only sparse information is available about how drug quality, drug prices and user expectations match at these locations. The present study reports analysis of these three parameters in two drug consumption rooms in Luxembourg. METHODS Drug users were invited to participate in the project by handing in a few milligrams of the product they planned to consume for chemical analysis and filling out a short questionnaire about the price and their expectations. After consumption, they were asked to report the experienced effects. Drug quality was accessed using LC-Q-ToF and HPLC-UV, and a statistical analysis was carried out of the questionnaires that were correctly filled out. RESULTS A total of 513 drug samples have been analyzed. Most consumers were looking for the relaxing/calming effects of heroin and the stimulating effects of cocaine, but they generally overestimated heroin potency and underestimated cocaine potency. No strong correlation based on Spearman's ρ between drug user estimations, drug prices and drug quality was found. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to combine drug analysis with heroin and cocaine user feedback about expectation, drug prices and drug effects. The analytical results were of great interest for users and the staff working at the drug consumption rooms. They may be a strong supplementary communication tool for health care workers when discussing effects and risks of highly toxic substance consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Dahm
- Service de Toxicologie Analytique - Chimie Pharmaceutique, Laboratoire National de Santé, 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555, Dudelange, Luxembourg.
| | - Karin Roschel
- Service de Toxicologie Analytique - Chimie Pharmaceutique, Laboratoire National de Santé, 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Claude Marson
- Service de Toxicologie Analytique - Chimie Pharmaceutique, Laboratoire National de Santé, 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Adèle Bourmaud
- Service de Toxicologie Analytique - Chimie Pharmaceutique, Laboratoire National de Santé, 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Jennifer Macedo
- Contact Esch, 130, Rue de Luxembourg, 4344, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Mauro Lupo
- Contact Esch, 130, Rue de Luxembourg, 4344, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Lionel Fauchet
- Abrigado, 8, Route de Thionville, 2610, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Claudia Allar
- Abrigado, 8, Route de Thionville, 2610, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Raoul Schaaf
- Abrigado, 8, Route de Thionville, 2610, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Serge Schneider
- Service de Toxicologie Analytique - Chimie Pharmaceutique, Laboratoire National de Santé, 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555, Dudelange, Luxembourg
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Are periodontitis, dental caries and xerostomia more frequently present in recreational ecstasy users? Br Dent J 2022; 232:389-395. [PMID: 35338292 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-022-4040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether there is a difference in oral health between recreational ecstasy users and non-recreational drug users.Study design In a cross-sectional study, dental records of 149 individuals visiting an academic dental clinic in Amsterdam who reported recreational ecstasy use, defined as no more than twice a week, were systematically analysed and compared to a group of age- and sex-matched non-drug users randomly selected from this institute. The parameters retrieved from the dental records were decayed, missed and filled teeth index (DMFT), number of endodontically treated teeth, presence of active caries lesions, periodontitis, tooth wear, xerostomia and self-reported use of oral hygiene devices.Results Periodontitis, active caries lesions and xerostomia were statistically significantly more present in ecstasy users. Ecstasy users brush their teeth significant less frequently per day than non-recreational drug users. There were no significant differences in DMFT and in the devices used for brushing/interdental cleaning and frequency of use of these interdental devices between both groups.Conclusion Periodontitis, active caries lesions and xerostomia are more frequently present in recreational ecstasy users compared to age- and sex-matched non-users.
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Maghsoudi N, Tanguay J, Scarfone K, Rammohan I, Ziegler C, Werb D, Scheim AI. Drug checking services for people who use drugs: a systematic review. Addiction 2022; 117:532-544. [PMID: 34729849 PMCID: PMC9299873 DOI: 10.1111/add.15734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Drug checking services provide people who use drugs with chemical analysis results of their drug samples while simultaneously monitoring the unregulated drug market. We sought to identify and synthesize literature on the following domains: (a) the influence of drug checking services on the behaviour of people who use drugs; (b) monitoring of drug markets by drug checking services; and (c) outcomes related to models of drug checking services. METHODS Systematic review. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and Dissertations and Theses Global. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed articles and conference abstracts or grey literature, published in any language since 1990 and including original data on the domains. We assessed risk of bias for quantitative peer-reviewed articles reporting on behaviour or models of drug checking services using National Institutes of Health tools. RESULTS We screened 2463 titles and abstracts and 156 full texts, with 90 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Most (n = 65, 72.2%) were from Europe and used cross-sectional designs (n = 79, 87.7%). Monitoring of drug markets by drug checking services (n = 63, 70%) was the most reported domain, followed by the influence of drug checking services on behaviour (n = 31, 34.4%), including intent to use, actual use and disposal of the drug, and outcomes related to models of drug checking services (n = 17, 18.9%). The most common outcome measures were detection of unexpected substances (n = 50, 55.6%), expected substances (n = 44, 48.9%), new psychoactive substances (n = 40, 44.4%) and drugs of concern (n = 32, 36.5%) by drug checking services. CONCLUSIONS Drug checking services appear to influence behavioural intentions and the behaviour of people who use drugs, particularly when results from drug checking services are unexpected or drugs of concern. Monitoring of drug markets by drug checking services is well established in Europe, and increasingly in North America. Concerns about drug contents and negative health consequences facilitate the use of drug checking services; lack of concern; trust in drug sellers; lack of accessibility of drug checking services; and legal and privacy concerns are barriers to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazlee Maghsoudi
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge InstituteSt Michael's HospitalTorontoONCanada,Institute of Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Justine Tanguay
- Munk School of Global Affairs and Public PolicyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Kristy Scarfone
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge InstituteSt Michael's HospitalTorontoONCanada,Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Indhu Rammohan
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge InstituteSt Michael's HospitalTorontoONCanada,Institute of Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | | | - Dan Werb
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge InstituteSt Michael's HospitalTorontoONCanada,Institute of Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada,Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Ayden I. Scheim
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge InstituteSt Michael's HospitalTorontoONCanada,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public HealthDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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O'Reilly MJA, Harvey CA, Auld R, Cretikos M, Francis C, Todd S, Barry D, Cullinan U, Symonds M. A quantitative analysis of
MDMA
seized at New South Wales music festivals over the 2019/2020 season: Form, purity, dose and adulterants. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:330-337. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robin Auld
- Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs NSW Ministry of Health Sydney Australia
| | - Michelle Cretikos
- Centre for Population Health NSW Ministry of Health Sydney Australia
| | - Catherine Francis
- Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs NSW Ministry of Health Sydney Australia
| | - Stephanie Todd
- Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs NSW Ministry of Health Sydney Australia
| | - Daniel Barry
- Centre for Population Health NSW Ministry of Health Sydney Australia
| | - Una Cullinan
- Forensic & Analytical Science Service NSW Health Pathology Sydney Australia
| | - Michael Symonds
- Forensic & Analytical Science Service NSW Health Pathology Sydney Australia
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Roxburgh A, Sam B, Kriikku P, Mounteney J, Castanera A, Dias M, Giraudon I. Trends in MDMA-related mortality across four countries. Addiction 2021; 116:3094-3103. [PMID: 33739562 DOI: 10.1111/add.15493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine trends in 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related death rates across Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey and to analyse the toxicology and causes of death across countries. DESIGN Analysis of MDMA-related deaths extracted from a national coronial database in Australia (2001-19) and national forensic toxicology databases in Finland (2001-17), Portugal (2008-19) and Turkey (2007-17). Presentation of MDMA use and seizure data (market indicators). SETTING Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey. CASES All deaths in which MDMA was considered by the forensic pathologist to be contributory to death. MEASUREMENTS Information collected on cause and circumstances of death, demographics and toxicology. FINDINGS A total of 1400 MDMA-related deaths were identified in Turkey, 507 in Australia, 100 in Finland and 45 in Portugal. The median age ranged from 24 to 27.5 years, and males represented between 81 and 94% of the deaths across countries. Standardized mortality rates significantly increased across all four countries from 2011 to 2017 during a period of increased purity and availability of MDMA. The underlying cause of death was predominantly due to drug toxicity in Australia (n = 309, 61%), Finland (n = 70, 70%) and Turkey (n = 840, 60%) and other causes in Portugal (n = 25, 56%). Minorities of all deaths across the countries were due to MDMA toxicity alone (13-25%). These deaths had a significantly higher blood MDMA concentration than multiple drug toxicity deaths in Australia, Finland and Turkey. Drugs other than MDMA commonly detected were stimulants (including cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine) (Australia 52% and Finland 61%) and alcohol (Australia 46% and Portugal 49%). In addition to MDMA toxicity, benzodiazepines (81%) and opioids (64%) were commonly identified in these deaths in Finland. In comparison, synthetic cannabinoids (15%) and cannabis (33%) were present in a minority of deaths in Turkey. CONCLUSIONS Deaths related to 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) increased in Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey between 2011 and 2017. Findings show MDMA toxicity alone can be fatal, but multiple drug toxicity remains more prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Roxburgh
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, the Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bulent Sam
- Member of the Council of Mortality Related Cases, the Council of Forensic Medicine of Ministry of Justice, Turkey
| | - Pirkko Kriikku
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jane Mounteney
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antonio Castanera
- Serviço de Quimica e Toxicologia Forenses do Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mario Dias
- Serviço de Quimica e Toxicologia Forenses do Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Lisboa, Portugal.,Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Almada, Portugal
| | - Isabelle Giraudon
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal.,University NOVA and National School of Public Health, Lisbon, Portugal
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7
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Illingworth BJ, Lewis DJ, Lambarth AT, Stocking K, Duffy JM, Jelen LA, Rucker JJ. A comparison of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to non-assisted psychotherapy in treatment-resistant PTSD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:501-511. [PMID: 33345689 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120965915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Novel, evidence-based treatments are required for treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has beneficially augmented psychotherapy in several small clinical trials. OBJECTIVE To review the use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in treatment-resistant PTSD. METHODS Systematic searches of four databases were conducted from inception to February 2020. A meta-analysis was performed on trials which were double-blinded, randomised, and compared MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to psychotherapy and placebo. The primary outcomes were the differences in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-IV) score and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). Secondary outcome measures included neurocognitive and physical adverse effects, at the time, and within 7 days of intervention. RESULTS Four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) met inclusion criteria. When compared to active placebo, intervention groups taking 75 mg (MD -46.90; 95% (confidence intervals) CI -58.78, -35.02), 125 mg (MD -20.98; 95% CI -34.35, -7.61) but not 100 mg (MD -12.90; 95% CI -36.09, 10.29) of MDMA with psychotherapy, had significant decreases in CAPS-IV scores, as did the inactive placebo arm (MD -33.20; 95% CI -40.53, -25.87). A significant decrease in BDI when compared to active placebo (MD -10.80; 95% CI -20.39, -1.21) was only observed at 75 mg. Compared to placebo, participants reported significantly more episodes of low mood, nausea and jaw-clenching during sessions and lack of appetite after 7 days. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate potential therapeutic benefit with minimal physical and neurocognitive risk for the use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in TR-PTSD, despite little effect on Beck's Depression Inventory. Better powered RCTs are required to investigate further. INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTIVE REGISTER OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS CRD42019109132 available online at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew T Lambarth
- North Middlesex Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Kate Stocking
- Centre for Biostatistics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - James Mn Duffy
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.,The Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke A Jelen
- Centre for Affective Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Centre for Affective Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Oeri HE. Beyond ecstasy: Alternative entactogens to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine with potential applications in psychotherapy. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:512-536. [PMID: 32909493 PMCID: PMC8155739 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120920420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The last two decades have seen a revival of interest in the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) as an adjunct to psychotherapy, particularly for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. While clinical results are highly promising, and MDMA is expected to be approved as a treatment in the near future, it is currently the only compound in its class of action that is being actively investigated as a medicine. This lack of alternatives to MDMA may prove detrimental to patients who do not respond well to the particular mechanism of action of MDMA or whose treatment calls for a modification of MDMA's effects. For instance, patients with existing cardiovascular conditions or with a prolonged history of stimulant drug use may not fit into the current model of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, and could benefit from alternative drugs. This review examines the existing literature on a host of entactogenic drugs, which may prove to be useful alternatives in the future, paying particularly close attention to any neurotoxic risks, neuropharmacological mechanism of action and entactogenic commonalities with MDMA. The substances examined derive from the 1,3-benzodioxole, cathinone, benzofuran, aminoindane, indole and amphetamine classes. Several compounds from these classes are identified as potential alternatives to MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Emanuel Oeri
- Hans Emanuel Oeri, University of Victoria,
3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.
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Southey M, Kathirgamalingam A, Crawford B, Kaul R, McNamara J, John-Leader F, Heslop J, Pit SW. Patterns of ecstasy use amongst live music event attendees and their opinions on pill testing: a cross sectional study. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32758263 PMCID: PMC7405356 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00295-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Pill testing services could potentially be used to reduce drug-related harm. This study aims to identify patterns of ecstasy use among live music event attendees; explore the opinions and potential usage of illicit pill testing programs and examine factors associated with the likelihood of still taking a pill containing a potential harmful substance. Methods A cross-sectional survey was completed by 760 people attending a major Australian live music event in 2017. Results The most commonly used drug in the last 12 months was ecstasy (73.9%). About 5% of people who use drugs had sought medical attention due to consumption of ecstasy. People who use drugs agreed “a lot” that pill testing should be provided for free at live music events (82.2%) and that it should be combined with harm reduction advice (62.9%). Additionally, 32% of all participants agreed ‘a lot’ that they would be more likely to take illicit drugs at a music festival if pill-testing services were present. However, if people perceived that a harmful substance was detected in their drugs after using a pill testing service, 52.3% of people who have used illicit drugs reported that they would ‘not at all’ be likely to still consume the drug. They also reported that they would still take a pill if testing demonstrated the presence of unintended MDMA-type substances (70.3%), amphetamines (31.2%) or ketamine (27.8%). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only increased frequency of ecstasy use was significantly associated with taking a pill despite pill testing services detecting a harmful substance. Gender, age, alcohol and previously seeking ecstasy-related medical attention were not associated in the multivariate analyses. Conclusions A high proportion of live music attendees consume alcohol and ecstasy. Both people who have and who have not used illicit drugs support the implementation of pill testing services. People reported they would change their consumption patterns according to the results given by pill testing services. The findings may be used to stimulate public debate, and assist drug and alcohol policy makers in the implementation of harm minimisation strategies such as combining pill testing services with harm reduction advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Southey
- University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, 62 Uralba Street, PO Box 3074, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - Ashwini Kathirgamalingam
- University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, 62 Uralba Street, PO Box 3074, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - Benjamin Crawford
- University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, 62 Uralba Street, PO Box 3074, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - Rohan Kaul
- University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, 62 Uralba Street, PO Box 3074, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - Jack McNamara
- University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, 62 Uralba Street, PO Box 3074, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - Franklin John-Leader
- Harm Reduction and Health Promotion Programs, HIV and Related Programs (HARP), North Coast Public Health, Mid-North Coast Local Health District, Lismore, Australia
| | - Jenny Heslop
- Harm Reduction and Health Promotion Programs, HIV and Related Programs (HARP), North Coast Public Health, Mid-North Coast Local Health District, Lismore, Australia
| | - Sabrina Winona Pit
- University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, 62 Uralba Street, PO Box 3074, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, Australia.
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Johnson C, Stansfield C, Hassan V. Festival testing: A survey of suspected drugs seized from New Zealand music festivals, December 2018 to March 2019. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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van Amsterdam J, Pennings E, van den Brink W. Fatal and non-fatal health incidents related to recreational ecstasy use. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:591-599. [PMID: 31909673 PMCID: PMC7249611 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119897559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recreational drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is currently used world-wide. Severe (including fatal) health incidents related to ecstasy have been reported but a risk assessment of acute non-fatal and fatal ecstasy-related health incidents has never been performed. METHODS In the current risk assessment review, national data of non-fatal health incidents collected in the Netherlands were combined with the nationwide exposure to ecstasy, that is, last-year prevalence of ecstasy use. In addition, the annual number of ecstasy-related deaths in Great Britain (Scotland, Wales and England) was used to assess the risk of fatal ecstasy-related cases. RESULTS In the Netherlands, the estimated risk of a moderate to severe acute health incident following the use of ecstasy is one in 900 pills (0.11%), whereas for cocaine it is one in 1600 doses (0.06%) and for gamma-hydroxybutyrate one in 95 doses (1.05%). With respect to ecstasy-related deaths in Great Britain, the estimated risk of ecstasy alone per user is 0.01-0.06%, which is close to the range of the fatality risk in chronic alcohol users (0.01-0.02%), amphetamine users (0.005%) and cocaine users (0.05%), but much lower than that of opiate use (heroin and morphine: 0.35%). CONCLUSION The current review shows that almost no data are available on the health risks of ecstasy use. The few data that are available show that ecstasy is not a safe substance. However, compared to opiates (heroin, morphine), the risk of acute ecstasy-related adverse health incidents per ecstasy user and per ecstasy use session is relatively low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan van Amsterdam
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Jan van Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry,
Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, 1070AW, the
Netherlands. Emails: ;
| | - Ed Pennings
- The Maastricht Forensic Institute,
Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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12
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Dolan SB, Johnson MW. The drug purity discounting task: Ecstasy use likelihood is reduced by probabilistic impurity according to harmfulness of adulterants. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 208:107772. [PMID: 31974022 PMCID: PMC7156028 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ecstasy typically contains adulterants in addition to, or in lieu of, MDMA which may pose a greater risk to users than MDMA itself. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adulterant-related informational prompts in reducing Ecstasy use using a novel probability discounting task. METHODS An online sample of past-month Ecstasy users (N = 278) were randomized to one of four different framing prompt conditions: no prompt; a prompt describing MDMA's effects; a prompt describing adulterants as inert "filler"; or a prompt describing adulterants as pharmacologically-active, potentially-harmful compounds. Each prompt contained general, potential public-health information that was not specifically related to subsequent behavioral tasks. All participants then completed an identical Drug Purity Discounting Task, in which they indicated the likelihood of using a sample of Ecstasy across different probabilities of the sample being impure, and then completed a hypothetical Ecstasy purchasing task. RESULTS Likelihood of Ecstasy use decreased as impurity probability increased across conditions. Ecstasy use likelihood was highest in the "inert" prompt condition, whereas pharmacologically-active adulterant or adulterant-nonspecific prompts resulted in comparably low likelihood of use. Ecstasy-use likelihood did not differ among conditions when the likelihood of sample impurity was 0. Ecstasy purchasing did not differ among groups. Inelastic purchasing was associated with greater likelihood of using potentially-impure Ecstasy. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data highlight the necessity of education regarding pharmacologically-active, rather than inert, adulterants in Ecstasy, and suggest that increased access to drug checking kits and services may mitigate some of the harms associated with Ecstasy use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean B Dolan
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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13
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Dose concentration and spatial memory and brain mitochondrial function association after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) administration in rats. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:911-925. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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14
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Distinct acute effects of LSD, MDMA, and D-amphetamine in healthy subjects. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:462-471. [PMID: 31733631 PMCID: PMC6969135 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0569-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic psychedelic, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an empathogen, and D-amphetamine is a classic stimulant. All three substances are used recreationally. LSD and MDMA are being investigated as medications to assist psychotherapy, and D-amphetamine is used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. All three substances induce distinct acute subjective effects. However, differences in acute responses to these prototypical psychoactive substances have not been characterized in a controlled study. We investigated the acute autonomic, subjective, and endocrine effects of single doses of LSD (0.1 mg), MDMA (125 mg), D-amphetamine (40 mg), and placebo in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study in 28 healthy subjects. All of the substances produced comparable increases in hemodynamic effects, body temperature, and pupil size, indicating equivalent autonomic responses at the doses used. LSD and MDMA increased heart rate more than D-amphetamine, and D-amphetamine increased blood pressure more than LSD and MDMA. LSD induced significantly higher ratings on the 5 Dimensions of Altered States of Consciousness scale and Mystical Experience Questionnaire than MDMA and D-amphetamine. LSD also produced greater subjective drug effects, ego dissolution, introversion, emotional excitation, anxiety, and inactivity than MDMA and D-amphetamine. LSD also induced greater impairments in subjective ratings of concentration, sense of time, and speed of thinking compared with MDMA and D-amphetamine. MDMA produced greater ratings of good drug effects, liking, high, and ego dissolution compared with D-amphetamine. D-Amphetamine increased ratings of activity and concentration compared with LSD. MDMA but not LSD or D-amphetamine increased plasma concentrations of oxytocin. None of the substances altered plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These results indicate clearly distinct acute effects of LSD, MDMA, and D-amphetamine and may assist the dose-finding in substance-assisted psychotherapy research.
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15
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Roxburgh A, Lappin J. MDMA-related deaths in Australia 2000 to 2018. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 76:102630. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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16
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Pantoni MM, Anagnostaras SG. Cognitive Effects of MDMA in Laboratory Animals: A Systematic Review Focusing on Dose. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 71:413-449. [PMID: 31249067 DOI: 10.1124/pr.118.017087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that is primarily used recreationally but also may have some therapeutic value. At low doses, MDMA produces feelings of relaxation, empathy, emotional closeness, and euphoria. Higher doses can produce unpleasant psychostimulant- and hallucinogen-like adverse effects and therefore are usually not taken intentionally. There is considerable evidence that MDMA produces neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits at high doses; however, these findings may not generalize to typical recreational or therapeutic use of low-dose MDMA. Here, we systematically review 25 years of research on the cognitive effects of MDMA in animals, with a critical focus on dose. We found no evidence that doses of less than 3 mg/kg MDMA-the dose range that users typically take-produce cognitive deficits in animals. Doses of 3 mg/kg or greater, which were administered most often and frequently ranged from 5 to 20 times greater than an average dose, also did not produce cognitive deficits in a slight majority of experiments. Overall, the preclinical evidence of MDMA-induced cognitive deficits is weak and, if anything, may be the result of unrealistically high dosing. While factors associated with recreational use such as polydrug use, adulterants, hyperthermia, and hyponatremia can increase the potential for neurotoxicity, the short-term, infrequent, therapeutic use of ultra low-dose MDMA is unlikely to pose significant cognitive risks. Future studies must examine any adverse cognitive effects of MDMA using clinically relevant doses to reliably assess its potential as a psychotherapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M Pantoni
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology (M.M.P., S.G.A.) and Program in Neurosciences (S.G.A.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephan G Anagnostaras
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology (M.M.P., S.G.A.) and Program in Neurosciences (S.G.A.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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17
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Skryabin VY, Vinnikova M, Nenastieva A, Alekseyuk V. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: A literature review and three case reports. J Addict Dis 2019; 37:268-278. [PMID: 31613183 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2019.1673655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The paper describes diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation and types of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), as well as current approaches to the treatment of this phenomenon using available scientific sources. Three case reports are also presented to demonstrate different types of this disorder. The first case report describes a 23-year old patient with a previous history of cannabis consumption who reported HPDD type I after the use of psilocybin mushrooms with small amounts of alcohol and hash. A month later, after cannabis use, the same visual and auditory distortions appeared again. During the following year, hallucinations recurred with the consumption of natural cannabinoids but not with alcohol intake. The symptoms have reduced within a year. Surprisingly, both other cases belonging to HPDD type II appeared in patients who consumed ecstasy, although MDMA is generally not considered a hallucinogen and hallucinations are not frequently reported after MDMA consumption. In both cases of HPPD type II after the use of ecstasy, the condition was very stressful and frightening. Both patients sought medical help and received tofisopam, lamotrigine and sertraline. After that, in both cases visual impairments have smoothed, but have not passed completely. Scientific sources suggest that HPPD may affect more than 50% of hallucinogen users and this disorder is often underdiagnosed. Therefore, patients suffering from HPPD can present in various clinical settings, and clinicians should be aware of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Vinnikova
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare, Moscow, Russia.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Nenastieva
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare, Moscow, Russia.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav Alekseyuk
- Moscow Research and Practical Centre on Addictions of the Moscow Department of Healthcare, Moscow, Russia
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18
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Peck Y, Clough AR, Culshaw PN, Liddell MJ. Multi-drug cocktails: Impurities in commonly used illicit drugs seized by police in Queensland, Australia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 201:49-57. [PMID: 31181437 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impurities in commonly used illicit drugs raise concerns for unwitting consumers when pharmacologically active adulterants, especially new psychoactive substances (NPS), are used. This study examines impurities detected in illicit drugs seized in one Australian jurisdiction. METHODS Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services provided analytical data. Data described the chemical composition of 9346 samples of 11 illicit drugs seized by police during 2015-2016. Impurities present in primary drugs were summarized and tabulated. A systematic search for published evidence reporting similar analyses was conducted. RESULTS Methamphetamine was the primary drug in 6608 samples, followed by MDMA (1232 samples) and cocaine (516 samples). Purity of primary drugs ranged from ∼30% for cocaine, 2-CB and GHB to >90% for THC, methamphetamine, heroin and MDMA. Methamphetamine and MDMA contained the largest variety of impurities: 22 and 18 variants, respectively. Drug adulteration patterns were broadly similar to those found elsewhere, including NPS, but in some primary drugs impurities were found which had not been reported elsewhere. Psychostimulants were adulterated with each other. Levamisole was a common impurity in cocaine. Psychedelics were adulterated with methamphetamine and NPS. Opioids were quite pure, but some samples contained methamphetamine and synthetic opioids. CONCLUSIONS Impurities detected were mostly pharmacologically active adulterants probably added to enhance desired effects or for active bulking. Given the designer nature of these drug cocktails, the effects of the adulterated drugs on users from possible complex multi-drug interactions is unpredictable. Awareness-raising among users, research into complex multi-drug effects and ongoing monitoring is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimi Peck
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Alan R Clough
- College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences, James Cook University, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter N Culshaw
- Forensic Chemistry, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 4108, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael J Liddell
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia
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19
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Vizeli P, Meyer zu Schwabedissen HE, Liechti ME. Role of Serotonin Transporter and Receptor Gene Variations in the Acute Effects of MDMA in Healthy Subjects. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3120-3131. [PMID: 30589533 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) is used recreationally and has been investigated as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Most acute effects of MDMA can be attributed to activation of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) system. Genetic variants, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and polymorphic regions in 5-HT system genes, may contribute to interindividual differences in the acute effects of MDMA. We characterized the effects of common genetic variants within selected genes that encode the 5-HT system (TPH1 [tryptophan 5-hydroxylase 1] rs1800532 and rs1799913, TPH2 [tryptophan 5-hydroxylase 2] rs7305115, HTR1A [5-HT1A receptor] rs6295, HTR1B [5-HT1B receptor] rs6296, HTR2A [5-HT2A receptor] rs6313, and SLC6A4 [serotonin transporter] 5-HTTLPR and rs25531) on the physiological and subjective response to 125 mg of MDMA compared with placebo in 124 healthy subjects. Data were pooled from eight randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that were conducted in the same laboratory. TPH2 rs7305115, HTR2A rs6313, and SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms tended to moderately alter some effects of MDMA. However, after correcting for multiple comparisons, none of the tested genetic polymorphisms significantly influenced the response to MDMA. Variations in genes that encode key targets in the 5-HT system did not significantly influence the effects of MDMA in healthy subjects. Interindividual differences in the 5-HT system may thus play a marginal role when MDMA is used recreationally or therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias E. Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
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20
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Vizeli P, Liechti ME. No Influence of Dopamine System Gene Variations on Acute Effects of MDMA. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:755. [PMID: 31708815 PMCID: PMC6821788 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a recreational substance also investigated as medication for posttraumatic stress disorder. Dopamine (DA) system stimulation likely contributes to the acute mood effects of amphetamines, including MDMA. Genetic variants, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and polymorphic regions of the DA system genes may in part explain interindividual differences in the acute responses to MDMA in humans. We characterized the effects of common genetic variants within genes coding for key players in the DA system including the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2/ANKK1 rs1800497, DRD2 rs6277, and rs107959), the dopamine transporter (DAT1 rs28363170, rs3836790, rs6347, rs11133767, rs11564774, rs460000, and rs463379), and dopamine D4 receptor [DRD4, variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR)] on the subjective and autonomic response to MDMA (125 mg) in pooled data from randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover studies in a total of 149 healthy subjects. Plasma concentrations of MDMA were used as covariate in the analysis to control for individual pharmacokinetic (metabolic and weight) differences. None of the tested genetic polymorphisms within the DA system altered effects of MDMA when adjusting for multiple comparisons. Genetic variations in genes coding for players of the DA system are unlikely to explain interindividual variations in the acute effects of MDMA in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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21
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Müller F, Brändle R, Liechti ME, Borgwardt S. Neuroimaging of chronic MDMA (“ecstasy”) effects: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 96:10-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Kamboj SK, Walldén YSE, Falconer CJ, Alotaibi MR, Blagbrough IS, Husbands SM, Freeman TP. Additive Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and Compassionate Imagery on Self-Compassion in Recreational Users of Ecstasy. Mindfulness (N Y) 2018; 9:1134-1145. [PMID: 30100932 PMCID: PMC6061231 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-017-0849-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA;‘ecstasy’) produces prosocial subjective effects that may extend to affiliative feelings towards the self. Behavioural techniques can produce similar self-directed affiliation. For example, compassionate imagery (CI) and ecstasy reduce self-criticism and increase self-compassion to a similar extent, with the effects of CI enhanced in the presence of ecstasy. Here, we examine self-compassion and self-criticism in recreational users who consumed chemically verified MDMA in a within-subjects crossover study. In a naturalistic setting, polydrug-using participants performed a self-focused CI exercise on two occasions separated by ≥6 days: once having consumed self-sourced MDMA and once not. Effects on state self-criticism, self-compassion and emotional empathy were assessed before and after MDMA use (or over an extended baseline period on the occasion that MDMA was not consumed) and reassessed after CI. In participants (n = 20; 8 women) whose ecstasy contained MDMA and no other drug, CI and MDMA appeared to separately increase emotional empathy (to critical facial expressions) and self-compassion. The effects of CI and MDMA on self-compassion also appeared to be additive. Establishing the observed effects in controlled studies will be critical for determining the combined utility of these approaches in fostering adaptive self-attitudes in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunjeev K Kamboj
- 1Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower St., London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Ylva S E Walldén
- 1Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower St., London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Caroline J Falconer
- 1Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower St., London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Majdah Raji Alotaibi
- 2Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Ian S Blagbrough
- 2Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Stephen M Husbands
- 2Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Tom P Freeman
- 1Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower St., London, WC1E 6BT UK.,3Present Address: National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, London, SE5 8BB UK
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23
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Effect of the combination of mephedrone plus ethanol on serotonin and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex of awake rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2018; 391:247-254. [PMID: 29349706 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-018-1464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cathinones, such as mephedrone (Meph), are often co-abused with alcoholic drinks. In the present study, we investigated the combined effects of Meph plus ethanol (EtOH) on neurotransmitter release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). A guide canula was stereotaxically implanted into either the NAc or the mPFC of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Seven days after surgery, a microdialysis probe was inserted and rats were administered saline, EtOH (1 g/kg, i.p.), Meph (25 mg/kg, s.c.), or their combination, and dialysates were collected. Serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and their metabolites (5-HIAA, DOPAC and HVA) were determined through high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. 5-HT and DA peaked 40 min after Meph administration (with or without EtOH co-treatment) in both areas. EtOH combined with Meph increased the 5-HT release compared with the rats receiving Meph alone (85% in NAc, 65% in mPFC), although the overall change in the area under the curve only reached statistical significance in the NAc. In mPFC, the increased release of 5-HT lasted longer in the combination than that in the Meph group. Moreover, EtOH potentiated the psychostimulant effect of Meph measured as a locomotor activity. Given that both 5-HT and DA are also related with reward and impulsivity, the observed effects point to an increased risk of abuse liability when combining Meph with EtOH compared with consuming these drugs alone.
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24
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Šíchová K, Pinterová N, Židková M, Horsley RR, Lhotková E, Štefková K, Vejmola Č, Uttl L, Balíková M, Kuchař M, Páleníček T. Mephedrone (4-Methylmethcathinone): Acute Behavioral Effects, Hyperthermic, and Pharmacokinetic Profile in Rats. Front Psychiatry 2018; 8:306. [PMID: 29375408 PMCID: PMC5767720 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (MEPH) is a synthetic cathinone derivative with effects that mimic MDMA and/or cocaine. Our study in male Wistar rats provides detailed investigations of MEPH's and its primary metabolite nor-mephedrone's (nor-MEPH) pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution to four different substrates (serum, brain, lungs, and liver), as well as comparative analysis of their effects on locomotion [open field test (OFT)] and sensorimotor gating [prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle reaction (PPI ASR)]. Furthermore, in order to mimic the crowded condition where MEPH is typically taken (e.g., clubs), the acute effect of MEPH on thermoregulation in singly- and group-housed rats was evaluated. Pharmacokinetics of MEPH and nor-MEPH after MEPH (5 mg/kg, sc.) were analyzed over 8 h using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. MEPH (2.5, 5, or 20 mg/kg, sc.) and nor-MEPH (5 mg/kg, sc.) were administered 5 or 40 min before the behavioral testing in the OFT and PPI ASR; locomotion and its spatial distribution, ASR, habituation and PPI itself were quantified. The effect of MEPH on rectal temperature was measured after 5 and 20 mg/kg, sc. Both MEPH and nor-MEPH were detected in all substrates, with the highest levels detected in lungs. Mean brain: serum ratios were 1:1.19 (MEPH) and 1:1.91 (nor-MEPH), maximum concentrations were observed at 30 min; at 2 and 4 h after administration, nor-MEPH concentrations were higher compared to the parent drug. While neither of the drugs disrupted PPI, both increased locomotion and affected its spatial distribution. The effects of MEPH were dose dependent, rapid, and short-lasting, and the intensity of locomotor stimulant effects was comparable between MEPH and nor-MEPH. Despite the disappearance of behavioral effects within 40 min after administration, MEPH induced rectal temperature elevations that persisted for 3 h even in singly housed rats. To conclude, we observed a robust, short-lasting, and most likely synergistic stimulatory effect of both drugs which corresponded to brain pharmacokinetics. The dissociation between the duration of behavioral and hyperthermic effects is indicative of the possible contribution of nor-MEPH or other biologically active metabolites. This temporal dissociation may be related to the risk of prolonged somatic toxicity when stimulatory effects are no longer present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Šíchová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Pinterová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Židková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rachel R. Horsley
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Lhotková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Štefková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Čestmír Vejmola
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Uttl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Balíková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Páleníček
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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25
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Direct comparison of the acute subjective, emotional, autonomic, and endocrine effects of MDMA, methylphenidate, and modafinil in healthy subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:467-479. [PMID: 28551715 PMCID: PMC5813072 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4650-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is used recreationally and investigated as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Methylphenidate and modafinil are psychostimulants that are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, respectively, but they are also misused as cognitive enhancers. Little is known about differences in the acute effects of equally cardiostimulant doses of these stimulant-type substances compared directly within the same subjects. METHODS We investigated the acute autonomic, subjective, endocrine, and emotional effects of single doses of MDMA (125 mg), methylphenidate (60 mg), modafinil (600 mg), and placebo in a double-blind, cross-over study in 24 healthy participants. Acute drug effects were tested using psychometric scales, the Facial Emotion Recognition Task (FERT), and the Sexual Arousal and Desire Inventory (SADI). RESULTS All active drugs produced comparable hemodynamic and adverse effects. MDMA produced greater increases in pupil dilation, subjective good drug effects, drug liking, happiness, trust, well-being, and alterations in consciousness than methylphenidate or modafinil. Only MDMA reduced subjective anxiety and impaired fear recognition and led to misclassifications of emotions as happy on the FERT. On the SADI, only MDMA produced sexual arousal-like effects. Only MDMA produced marked increases in cortisol, prolactin, and oxytocin. In contrast to MDMA, methylphenidate increased subjective anxiety, and methylphenidate and modafinil increased misclassifications of emotions as angry on the FERT. Modafinil had no significant subjective drug effects but significant sympathomimetic and adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS MDMA induced subjective, emotional, sexual, and endocrine effects that were clearly distinct from those of methylphenidate and modafinil at the doses used.
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Vizeli P, Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HE, Liechti ME. No major role of norepinephrine transporter gene variations in the cardiostimulant effects of MDMA. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 74:275-283. [PMID: 29198060 PMCID: PMC5808057 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-017-2392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is used recreationally and frequently leads to sympathomimetic toxicity. MDMA produces cardiovascular and subjective stimulant effects that were shown to partially depend on the norepinephrine transporter (NET)-mediated release of norepinephrine and stimulation of α1-adrenergic receptors. Genetic variants, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of the NET gene (SLC6A2) may explain interindividual differences in the acute stimulant-type responses to MDMA in humans. Methods We characterized the effects of common genetic variants of the SLC6A2 gene (rs168924, rs47958, rs1861647, rs2242446, and rs36029) on cardiovascular and subjective stimulation after MDMA administration in 124 healthy subjects in a pooled analysis of eight double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Results Carriers of the GG genotype of the SLC6A2 rs1861647 SNP presented higher elevations of heart rate and rate-pressure product after MDMA than subjects with one or no G alleles. Subjects with a C allele in the SLC6A2 rs2242446 SNP presented higher elevations of the heart rate after MDMA administration compared with the TT genotype. Subjects with the AA genotype of the SLC6A2 rs36029 SNP presented higher elevations of mean arterial pressure and rate pressure product after MDMA administration than carriers of the G allele. The SLC6A2 rs168924 and rs47958 SNPs did not alter the response to MDMA. Conclusions Genetic polymorphisms of the SLC6A2 gene weakly moderated the acute cardiovascular response to MDMA in controlled studies and may play a minor role in adverse cardiovascular events when MDMA is used recreationally. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00228-017-2392-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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Schmidt A, Müller F, Dolder PC, Schmid Y, Zanchi D, Egloff L, Liechti ME, Borgwardt S. Acute Effects of Methylphenidate, Modafinil, and MDMA on Negative Emotion Processing. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 21:345-354. [PMID: 29206921 PMCID: PMC5887414 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stimulants such as methylphenidate and modafinil are frequently used as cognitive enhancers in healthy people, whereas 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) is proposed to enhance mood and empathy in healthy subjects. However, comparative data on the effects of methylphenidate and modafinil on negative emotions in healthy subjects have been partially missing. The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of methylphenidate and modafinil on the neural correlates of fearful face processing using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine as a positive control. METHODS Using a double-blind, within-subject, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 60 mg methylphenidate, 600 mg modafinil, and 125 mg 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine were administrated to 22 healthy subjects while performing an event-related fMRI task to assess brain activation in response to fearful faces. Negative mood states were assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and subjective ratings. RESULTS Relative to placebo, modafinil, but not methylphenidate or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, increased brain activation within a limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic circuit during fearful face processing. Modafinil but not methylphenidate also increased amygdala responses to fearful faces compared with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Furthermore, activation in the middle and inferior frontal gyrus in response to fearful faces correlated positively with subjective feelings of fearfulness and depressiveness after modafinil administration. CONCLUSIONS Despite the cognitive enhancement effects of 600 mg modafinil in healthy people, potential adverse effects on emotion processing should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Correspondence: André Schmidt, PhD, University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein Strasse 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland ()
| | - Felix Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C Dolder
- Department of Biomedicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Schmid
- Department of Biomedicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Davide Zanchi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Egloff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Department of Biomedicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Edland-Gryt M, Sandberg S, Pedersen W. From ecstasy to MDMA: Recreational drug use, symbolic boundaries, and drug trends. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 50:1-8. [PMID: 28869878 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ecstasy pills with MDMA as the main ingredient were introduced in many European countries in the 1980s, and were often linked to the rave and club scenes. However, use gradually levelled off, in part as a response to increased concerns about possible mental health consequences and fatalities. Extensive use of MDMA now seems to be re-emerging in many countries. In this study, we investigated the cultural and social meaning associated with MDMA use in Oslo, Norway, with an emphasis on how users distinguish MDMA crystals and powder from "old ecstasy pills". METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews (n=31, 61,3% males) were conducted with young adult party-goers and recreational MDMA/ecstasy users (20-34 years old, mean age 26.2 years). RESULTS Research participants emphasised three important perceived differences between the MDMA crystals and ecstasy pills: (i) The effects of MDMA were described as better than ecstasy; (ii) MDMA was regarded as a safer drug; (iii) Users of MDMA crystals were described as more distinct from and less anchored in out-of-fashion rave culture than those using ecstasy. These differences were an important part of the symbolic boundary work MDMA users engaged in when justifying their drug use. CONCLUSION MDMA has re-emerged as an important psychoactive substance in Oslo's club scene. One important reason for this re-emergence seems to be its perceived differentiation from ecstasy pills, even though the active ingredient in both drugs is MDMA. This perceived distinction between MDMA and ecstasy reveals the importance of social and symbolic meanings in relation to psychoactive substance use. Insights from this study can be important in terms of understanding how trends in drug use develop and how certain drugs gain or lose popularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Edland-Gryt
- Department of Substance Use, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway.
| | - Sveinung Sandberg
- Department of Substance Use, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway; Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Willy Pedersen
- Department of Sociology and Human Geography, University of Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Social Research, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Norway
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Palamar JJ, Salomone A, Gerace E, Di Corcia D, Vincenti M, Cleland CM. Hair testing to assess both known and unknown use of drugs amongst ecstasy users in the electronic dance music scene. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 48:91-98. [PMID: 28810159 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on both known and unknown drug use in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene is important to inform prevention and harm reduction. While surveys are the most common method of querying drug use, additional biological data can help validate use and detect unknown/unintentional use of drugs such as new psychoactive substances (NPS). We sought to determine the extent of both known and unknown use of various substances in this high-risk scene. METHODS We hair-tested 90 self-reported past-year ecstasy/MDMA/Molly users attending EDM parties in New York City during the summer of 2016 using UHPLC-MS/MS. Results were compared to self-reported past-year use. RESULTS Three quarters (74.4%) tested positive for MDMA, a third (33.3%) tested positive for an NPS, and 27.8% tested positive specifically for one or more synthetic cathinones (e.g., butylone, ethylone, pentylone, methylone, alpha-PVP). Half (51.1%) of participants tested positive for a drug not self-reported, with most testing positive for synthetic cathinones (72.0%), methamphetamine (69.0%), other NPS stimulants (e.g., 4-FA, 5/6-APB; 66.7%), or new dissociatives (e.g., methoxetamine, diphenidine; 60.0%). Attending parties every other week or more often, reporting higher-frequency ecstasy pill use, having tested one's ecstasy, and having found out one's ecstasy was adulterated, were risk factors for testing positive for synthetic cathinones and NPS in general. CONCLUSION Hair testing appears to be a valuable addition to drug epidemiology studies. Many EDM party attendees-even those who test their ecstasy-are unknowingly using NPS and/or other drugs. Prevention information and harm reduction may help reduce unknown/unintentional use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- New York University Langone Medical Center, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Gerace
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Corcia
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenti
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Charles M Cleland
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA; New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
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Schmidt A, Müller F, Dolder PC, Schmid Y, Zanchi D, Liechti ME, Borgwardt S. Comparative Effects of Methylphenidate, Modafinil, and MDMA on Response Inhibition Neural Networks in Healthy Subjects. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:712-720. [PMID: 28525569 PMCID: PMC5581485 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and modafinil are increasingly used by healthy people for cognitive enhancement purposes, whereas the acute effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) on cognitive functioning in healthy subjects remains unclear. This study directly compared the acute effects of methylphenidate, modafinil, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on the neural mechanisms underlying response inhibition in healthy subjects. METHODS Using a double-blind, within-subject, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, methylphenidate, modafinil, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine were administrated to 21 healthy subjects while performing a go/no-go event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging task to assess brain activation during motor response inhibition. RESULTS Relative to placebo, methylphenidate and modafinil but not 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine improved inhibitory performance. Methylphenidate significantly increased activation in the right middle frontal gyrus, middle/superior temporal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, presupplementary motor area, and anterior cingulate cortex compared with placebo. Methylphenidate also induced significantly higher activation in the anterior cingulate cortex and presupplementary motor area and relative to modafinil. Relative to placebo, modafinil significantly increased activation in the right middle frontal gyrus and superior/inferior parietal lobule, while 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine significantly increased activation in the right middle/inferior frontal gyrus and superior parietal lobule. CONCLUSIONS Direct comparison of methylphenidate, modafinil, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine revealed broad recruitment of fronto-parietal regions but specific effects of methylphenidate on middle/superior temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and presupplementary motor area activation, suggesting dissociable modulations of response inhibition networks and potentially the superiority of methylphenidate in the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Schmidt, Dr Müller, Mr Zanchi, and Dr Borgwardt); Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel and Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Mr Dolder, Dr Schmid, and Dr Liechti).,Correspondence: André Schmidt, PhD, University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein Strasse 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland ()
| | - Felix Müller
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Schmidt, Dr Müller, Mr Zanchi, and Dr Borgwardt); Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel and Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Mr Dolder, Dr Schmid, and Dr Liechti)
| | - Patrick C Dolder
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Schmidt, Dr Müller, Mr Zanchi, and Dr Borgwardt); Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel and Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Mr Dolder, Dr Schmid, and Dr Liechti)
| | - Yasmin Schmid
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Schmidt, Dr Müller, Mr Zanchi, and Dr Borgwardt); Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel and Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Mr Dolder, Dr Schmid, and Dr Liechti)
| | - Davide Zanchi
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Schmidt, Dr Müller, Mr Zanchi, and Dr Borgwardt); Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel and Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Mr Dolder, Dr Schmid, and Dr Liechti)
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Schmidt, Dr Müller, Mr Zanchi, and Dr Borgwardt); Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel and Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Mr Dolder, Dr Schmid, and Dr Liechti)
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Schmidt, Dr Müller, Mr Zanchi, and Dr Borgwardt); Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Basel and Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Mr Dolder, Dr Schmid, and Dr Liechti)
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Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) is being investigated in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The present study characterized the safety pharmacology of single-dose administrations of MDMA (75 or 125 mg) using data from nine double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies performed in the same laboratory in a total of 166 healthy subjects. The duration of the subjective effects was 4.2 ± 1.3 h (range: 1.4-8.2 h). The 125 mg dose of MDMA produced greater 'good drug effect' ratings than 75 mg. MDMA produced moderate and transient 'bad drug effect' ratings, which were greater in women than in men. MDMA increased systolic blood pressure to >160 mmHg, heart rate >100 beats/min, and body temperature >38°C in 33%, 29% and 19% of the subjects, respectively. These proportions of subjects with hypertension (>160 mmHg), tachycardia, and body temperature >38°C were all significantly greater after 125 mg MDMA compared with the 75 mg dose. Acute and subacute adverse effects of MDMA as assessed by the List of Complaints were dose-dependent and more frequent in females. MDMA did not affect liver or kidney function at EOS 29 ± 22 days after use. No serious adverse events occurred. In conclusion, MDMA produced predominantly acute positive subjective drug effects. Bad subjective drug effects and other adverse effects were significantly more common in women. MDMA administration was overall safe in physically and psychiatrically healthy subjects and in a medical setting. However, the risks of MDMA are likely higher in patients with cardiovascular disease and remain to be investigated in patients with psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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van der Gouwe D, Brunt TM, van Laar M, van der Pol P. Purity, adulteration and price of drugs bought on-line versus off-line in the Netherlands. Addiction 2017; 112:640-648. [PMID: 27936283 DOI: 10.1111/add.13720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS On-line drug markets flourish and consumers have high expectations of on-line quality and drug value. The aim of this study was to (i) describe on-line drug purchases and (ii) compare on-line with off-line purchased drugs regarding purity, adulteration and price. DESIGN Comparison of laboratory analyses of 32 663 drug consumer samples (stimulants and hallucinogens) purchased between January 2013 and January 2016, 928 of which were bought on-line. SETTING The Netherlands. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcome measures were (i) the percentage of samples purchased on-line and (ii) the chemical purity of powders (or dosage per tablet); adulteration; and the price per gram, blotter or tablet of drugs bought on-line compared with drugs bought off-line. FINDINGS The proportion of drug samples purchased on-line increased from 1.4% in 2013 to 4.1% in 2015. The frequency varied widely, from a maximum of 6% for controlled, traditional substances [ecstasy tablets, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) powder, amphetamine powder, cocaine powder, 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)] to more than a third for new psychoactive substances (NPS) [4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), 5/6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5/6-APB) and methoxetamine (MXE)]. There were no large differences in drug purity, yet small but statistically significant differences were found for 4-FA (on-line 59% versus off-line 52% purity for 4-FA on average, P = 0.001), MDMA powders (45 versus 61% purity for MDMA, P = 0.02), 2C-B tablets (21 versus 10 mg 2C-B/tablet dosage, P = 0.49) and ecstasy tablets (131 versus 121 mg MDMA/tablet dosage, P = 0.05). The proportion of adulterated samples purchased on-line and off-line did not differ, except for 4-FA powder, being less adulterated on-line (χ2 = 8.3; P < 0.02). Drug prices were mainly higher on-line, ranging for various drugs from 10 to 23% higher than that of drugs purchased off-line (six of 10 substances: P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Dutch drug users increasingly purchase drugs on-line: new psychoactive substances in particular. Purity and adulteration do not vary considerably between drugs purchased on-line and off-line for most substances, while on-line prices are mostly higher than off-line prices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan van der Gouwe
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tibor M Brunt
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Margriet van Laar
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peggy van der Pol
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Vizeli P, Schmid Y, Prestin K, Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HE, Liechti ME. Pharmacogenetics of ecstasy: CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6 polymorphisms moderate pharmacokinetics of MDMA in healthy subjects. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:232-238. [PMID: 28117133 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In vitro studies showed that CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 contribute to the metabolism of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) to 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). However, the role of genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 in the metabolism of MDMA in humans is unknown. The effects of genetic variants in these CYP enzymes on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MDMA were characterized in 139 healthy subjects (69 male, 70 female) in a pooled analysis of eight double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. MDMA-MDA conversion was positively associated with genotypes known to convey higher CYP2C19 or CYP2B6 activities. Additionally, CYP2C19 poor metabolizers showed greater cardiovascular responses to MDMA compared with other CYP2C19 genotypes. Furthermore, the maximum concentration of MDA was higher in tobacco smokers that harbored the inducible CYP1A2 rs762551 A/A genotype compared with the non-inducible C-allele carriers. The findings indicate that CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 contribute to the metabolism of MDMA to MDA in humans. Additionally, genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 may moderate the cardiovascular toxicity of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Schmid
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Prestin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias E Liechti
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Campen KA, McNatty KP, Pitman JL. A protective role of cumulus cells after short-term exposure of rat cumulus cell-oocyte complexes to lifestyle or environmental contaminants. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 69:19-33. [PMID: 28087314 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian follicular fluid provides a potential reservoir for exogenous compounds that may adversely affect oocyte quality. This study examined the effects of common lifestyle and environmental contaminants, namely bisphenol-A (BPA), caffeine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), nicotine and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on gap junction genes (Gja1, Gja4) and proteins (GJA1), glucose metabolism genes (Gfpt1, Pfkp) and oocyte growth factor genes (Bmp15, Gdf9), as well as gap junction transfer rate, in rat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). In vitro exposure to MDMA and THC accelerated the timing of meiotic resumption and all contaminants altered either gap junction gene expression (BPA, caffeine, MDMA and THC) or transfer rate (BPA and nicotine). In vitro exposure of COCs to MDMA also altered glucose metabolism genes. Overall, oocyte-derived genes were largely unaffected following exposure to any contaminant. In summary, the impact of short-term exposure to lifestyle and environmental contaminants on oocyte function may be diminished due to protective properties of cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Campen
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Kenneth P McNatty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Janet L Pitman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
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Vrolijk RQ, Brunt TM, Vreeker A, Niesink RJM. Is online information on ecstasy tablet content safe? Addiction 2017; 112:94-100. [PMID: 27518128 DOI: 10.1111/add.13559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In recent years, the prevalence of ecstasy use has increased in most European countries. Users can acquire information on ecstasy tablet composition through the internet. This study compares online information from two websites, Pillreports and Partyflock, to the validated Dutch Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) database, and aims to measure its accuracy and potential danger or value. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS The drug-related information posted on Pillreports.net and Partyflock.nl between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015 was investigated for accuracy and several information characteristics such as picture inclusion and dose range inclusion. In total, 471 informatory statements on ecstasy tablet content were analysed relative to the Dutch ecstasy market. MEASUREMENTS Informatory statements on the content of specific ecstasy tablets were scored as 'too high' or 'too low' if their concentrations deviated > 10 mg from the entries in the DIMS database within a 12-week time-frame, and scored as 'dangerous' if their concentration was > 40 mg too low. Unreported substances were scored as 'dangerous' if listed as an illegal or dangerous substance in the DIMS database and if present in relevant quantities. Also scored were the report characteristics 'picture inclusion', 'spread inclusion' and 'website source', which were tested for their association with report safety/danger. FINDINGS On average, reports on ecstasy tablets from Pillreports and Partyflock show concentrations which are 10.6 mg too high [95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.7-14.4]. Qualitatively, 39.7% of the reports scored as 'too high' (95% CI = 35.2-44.4), 17.6% scored as 'too low' (95% CI = 14.0-21.2) and 15.5% had 'unreported substances' (95% CI = 12.3-18.9), resulting overall in 15.3% of the reports being scored as 'dangerous' (95% CI = 11.9-18.5). The report characteristic 'spread inclusion' associated inversely with report danger [Exp(b) = 0.511, 95% CI = 0.307-0.850, P = 0.01]. CONCLUSION Information from the popular Pillreports and Partyflock websites tends to overestimate 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) concentrations in ecstasy tablets. In addition, 15.3% of the reports omit the relevant concentration spread, fail to report additional illegal or dangerous substances contained in the tablets or underestimate MDMA concentration by > 40 mg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Q Vrolijk
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tibor M Brunt
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Academic Medical Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annabel Vreeker
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Section Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond J M Niesink
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Management, Science and Technology, School of Science, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, the Netherlands
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Luo M, Li Y, Zhong W. Do dorsal raphe 5-HT neurons encode “beneficialness”? Neurobiol Learn Mem 2016; 135:40-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mithoefer MC, Grob CS, Brewerton TD. Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA. Lancet Psychiatry 2016; 3:481-8. [PMID: 27067625 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00576-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
4-phosphorloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocybin) and methylenedioxymethamfetamine (MDMA), best known for their illegal use as psychedelic drugs, are showing promise as therapeutics in a resurgence of clinical research during the past 10 years. Psilocybin is being tested for alcoholism, smoking cessation, and in patients with advanced cancer with anxiety. MDMA is showing encouraging results as a treatment for refractory post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety in autistic adults, and anxiety associated with a life-threatening illness. Both drugs are studied as adjuncts or catalysts to psychotherapy, rather than as stand-alone drug treatments. This model of drug-assisted psychotherapy is a possible alternative to existing pharmacological and psychological treatments in psychiatry. Further research is needed to fully assess the potential of these compounds in the management of these common disorders that are difficult to treat with existing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Mithoefer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Charles S Grob
- Department of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center/Los Angeles BioMedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Timothy D Brewerton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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38
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Neuroimaging in moderate MDMA use: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 62:21-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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39
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Brunt TM, Nagy C, Bücheli A, Martins D, Ugarte M, Beduwe C, Ventura Vilamala M. Drug testing in Europe: monitoring results of the Trans European Drug Information (TEDI) project. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:188-198. [PMID: 26888408 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drug testing is a harm reduction strategy that has been adopted by certain countries in Europe. Drug users are able to hand in their drugs voluntarily for chemical analysis of composition and dose. Drug users will be alerted about dangerous test results by the drug testing systems directly and through warning campaigns. An international collaborative effort was launched to combine data of drug testing systems, called the Trans European Drug Information (TEDI) project. Drug testing systems of Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, and the Netherlands participated in this project. This study presents results of some of the main illicit drugs encountered: cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine and also comments on new psychoactive substances (NPS) detected between 2008 and 2013. A total of 45 859 different drug samples were analyzed by TEDI. The drug markets of the distinct European areas showed similarities, but also some interesting differences. For instance, purity of cocaine and amphetamine powders was generally low in Austria, whilst high in Spain and the Netherlands. And the market for ecstasy showed a contrast: whereas in the Netherlands and Switzerland there was predominantly a market for ecstasy tablets, in Portugal and Spain MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) crystals were much more prevalent. Also, some NPS appearing in ecstasy seemed more specific for one country than another. In general, prevalence of NPS clearly increased between 2008 and 2013. Drug testing can be used to generate a global picture of drug markets and provides information about the pharmacological contents of drugs for the population at risk. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M Brunt
- Drug Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Daniel Martins
- Agência Piaget para o Desenvolvimento (APDES), V. N. Gaia, Portugal
| | | | - Cécile Beduwe
- Modus Vivendi ASBL, Harm Reduction among drug users, Brussels, Belgium
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40
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Linden-Carmichael AN, Stamates AL, Sheehan BE, Lau-Barraco C. Molly users versus nonusers in a sample of college alcohol drinkers: Differences in substance-related harms and sensation seeking. Subst Abus 2016; 37:474-479. [PMID: 26820396 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2015.1137536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molly is one form of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) that is touted to be more "pure" and potentially less harmful than other forms, such as ecstasy. Media reports and case studies suggest that this drug is popular among college students and is related to adverse health problems. The current study sought to address the knowledge gaps about Molly by examining whether users differ in substance use outcomes and sensation seeking than nonusers. Specifically, this study tested whether Molly users engaged in heavier use of other substances and experienced more substance-related harms in general than nonusers. Further, the current study investigated whether Molly users exhibited higher levels of sensation seeking than nonusers. Lastly, this study examined whether Molly user status would be associated with substance-related harms beyond the confounding influence of other substance use and trait sensation seeking. METHODS Participants were 710 (71.9% female) college alcohol drinkers who completed self-report surveys about substance use (i.e., Molly, alcohol, and other drug use), substance-related problems, and sensation seeking. RESULTS Results revealed that approximately 12% of the sample reported lifetime Molly use. Molly users compared with nonusers reported higher levels of other drug use, alcohol use, substance-related problems, and sensation seeking. Further, Molly users reported experiencing poorer substance use outcomes (e.g., blacking out, academic/occupational problems, and withdrawal symptoms) after accounting for sensation seeking and other substance use. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that Molly users are higher in sensation seeking and that use is uniquely related to greater risk for substance-related harms. These preliminary findings demonstrate a need for correcting possible misperceptions regarding the purity of Molly and educating users on the potential for experiencing associated harms. Such information could be used to develop efficacious prevention programming for college students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cathy Lau-Barraco
- a Old Dominion University , Norfolk , Virginia , USA.,b Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology , Norfolk , Virginia , USA
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41
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Ciudad-Roberts A, Duart-Castells L, Camarasa J, Pubill D, Escubedo E. The combination of ethanol with mephedrone increases the signs of neurotoxicity and impairs neurogenesis and learning in adolescent CD-1 mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 293:10-20. [PMID: 26747301 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A new family of psychostimulants, under the name of cathinones, has broken into the market in the last decade. In light of the fact that around 95% of cathinone consumers have been reported to combine them with alcoholic drinks, we sought to study the consequences of the concomitant administration of ethanol on mephedrone -induced neurotoxicity. Adolescent male Swiss-CD1 mice were administered four times in one day, every 2h, with saline, mephedrone (25mg/kg), ethanol (2; 1.5; 1.5; 1g/kg) and their combination at a room temperature of 26±2°C. The combination with ethanol impaired mephedrone-induced decreases in dopamine transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase in the frontal cortex; and in serotonin transporter and tryptophan hydroxylase in the hippocampus by approximately 2-fold, 7days post-treatment. Furthermore, these decreases correlated with a 2-fold increase in lipid peroxidation, measured as concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), 24h post-treatment, and were accompanied by changes in oxidative stress-related enzymes. Ethanol also notably potentiated mephedrone-induced negative effects on learning and memory, as well as hippocampal neurogenesis, measured through the Morris water maze (MWM) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine staining, respectively. These results are of special significance, since alcohol is widely co-abused with amphetamine derivatives such as mephedrone, especially during adolescence, a crucial stage in brain maturation. Given that the hippocampus is greatly involved in learning and memory processes, normal brain development in young adults could be affected with permanent behavioral consequences after this type of drug co-abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Ciudad-Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section); Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leticia Duart-Castells
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section); Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section); Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section); Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section); Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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42
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Nugteren-van Lonkhuyzen JJ, van Riel AJHP, Brunt TM, Hondebrink L. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology of new psychoactive substances (NPS): 2C-B, 4-fluoroamphetamine and benzofurans. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 157:18-27. [PMID: 26530501 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) appearing on the illicit drug market has shown a marked increase. Although many users perceive the risk of using NPS as medium or low, these substances can pose a serious health risk and several NPS have been implicated in drug-related deaths. In Europe, frequently detected NPS are 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B), 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) and benzofurans (5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB) or 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB)). However, little is known about the health risks of these specific NPS. METHODS In this paper, existing literature on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 2C-B, 4-FA and benzofurans (5-APB/6-APB) was reviewed. RESULTS Our review showed that the clinical effects of 2C-B, 4-FA and benzofurans (5-APB/6-APB) are comparable with common illicit drugs like amphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Therefore, NPS toxicity can be handled by existing treatment guidelines that are based on clinical effects instead of the specific drug involved. Even so, information on the health risks of these substances is limited to a number of case reports that are complicated by confounders such as analytical difficulties, mislabelling of drugs, concomitant exposures and interindividual differences. CONCLUSION To aid in early legislation, data on clinical effects from poisons centres and user fora should be combined with (in vitro) screening methods and collaboration on an (inter)national level is essential. As a result, potentially hazardous NPS could be detected more quickly, thereby protecting public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antoinette J H P van Riel
- National Poisons Information Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Tibor M Brunt
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Department of Drug Monitoring, Da Costakade 45, 3521 VS Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Laura Hondebrink
- National Poisons Information Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Marusich JA, Antonazzo KR, Blough BE, Brandt SD, Kavanagh PV, Partilla JS, Baumann MH. The new psychoactive substances 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) and 6-(2-aminopropyl)indole (6-IT) interact with monoamine transporters in brain tissue. Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:68-75. [PMID: 26362361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, use of psychoactive synthetic stimulants has grown rapidly. 5-(2-Aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) is a synthetic drug associated with a number of fatalities, that appears to be one of the newest 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) replacements. Here, the monoamine-releasing properties of 5-IT, its structural isomer 6-(2-aminopropyl)indole (6-IT), and MDMA were compared using in vitro release assays at transporters for dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and serotonin (SERT) in rat brain synaptosomes. In vivo pharmacology was assessed by locomotor activity and a functional observational battery (FOB) in mice. 5-IT and 6-IT were potent substrates at DAT, NET, and SERT. In contrast with the non-selective releasing properties of MDMA, 5-IT displayed greater potency for release at DAT over SERT, while 6-IT displayed greater potency for release at SERT over DAT. 5-IT produced locomotor stimulation and typical stimulant effects in the FOB similar to those produced by MDMA. Conversely, 6-IT increased behaviors associated with 5-HT toxicity. 5-IT likely has high abuse potential, which may be somewhat diminished by its slow onset of in vivo effects, whereas 6-IT may have low abuse liability, but enhanced risk for adverse effects. Results indicate that subtle differences in the chemical structure of transporter ligands can have profound effects on biological activity. The potent monoamine-releasing actions of 5-IT, coupled with its known inhibition of MAO A, could underlie its dangerous effects when administered alone, and in combination with other monoaminergic drugs or medications. Consequently, 5-IT and related compounds may pose substantial risk for abuse and serious adverse effects in human users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Kateland R Antonazzo
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, L3 3AF, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Kamboj SK, Kilford EJ, Minchin S, Moss A, Lawn W, Das RK, Falconer CJ, Gilbert P, Curran HV, Freeman TP. Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) or 'ecstasy' and self-focused compassion: Preliminary steps in the development of a therapeutic psychopharmacology of contemplative practices. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:961-70. [PMID: 25990558 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115587143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) produces diverse pro-social effects. Cognitive training methods rooted in Eastern contemplative practices also produce these effects through the development of a compassionate mindset. Given this similarity, we propose that one potential mechanism of action of MDMA in psychotherapy is through enhancing effects on intrapersonal attitudes (i.e. pro-social attitudes towards the self). We provide a preliminary test of this idea. Recreational MDMA (ecstasy) users were tested on two occasions, having consumed or not consumed ecstasy. Self-critical and self-compassionate responses to self-threatening scenarios were assessed before (T1) and after (T2) ecstasy use (or non-use), and then after compassionate imagery (T3). Moderating roles of dispositional self-criticism and avoidant attachment were examined. Separately, compassionate imagery and ecstasy produced similar sociotropic effects, as well as increases in self-compassion and reductions in self-criticism. Higher attachment-related avoidance was associated with additive effects of compassionate imagery and ecstasy on self-compassion. Findings were in line with MDMA's neuropharmacological profile, its phenomenological effects and its proposed adjunctive use in psychotherapy. However, although conditions were balanced, the experiment was non-blind and MDMA dose/purity was not determined. Controlled studies with pharmaceutically pure MDMA are still needed to test these effects rigorously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma J Kilford
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Minchin
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Abigail Moss
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Will Lawn
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ravi K Das
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline J Falconer
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Mental Health Research Unit, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Palamar JJ, Griffin-Tomas M, Ompad DC. Illicit drug use among rave attendees in a nationally representative sample of US high school seniors. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 152:24-31. [PMID: 26005041 PMCID: PMC4458153 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The popularity of electronic dance music and rave parties such as dance festivals has increased in recent years. Targeted samples of party-goers suggest high rates of drug use among attendees, but few nationally representative studies have examined these associations. METHODS We examined sociodemographic correlates of rave attendance and relationships between rave attendance and recent (12-month) use of various drugs in a representative sample of US high school seniors (modal age: 18) from the Monitoring the Future study (2011-2013; Weighted N=7373). RESULTS One out of five students (19.8%) reported ever attending a rave, and 7.7% reported attending at least monthly. Females and highly religious students were less likely to attend raves, and Hispanics, students residing in cities, students with higher income and those who go out for fun multiple times per week were more likely to attend. Rave attendees were more likely than non-attendees to report use of an illicit drug other than marijuana (35.5% vs. 15.6%, p<0.0001). Attendees were more likely to report use of each of the 18 drugs assessed, and attendees were more likely to report more frequent use (≥6 times) of each drug (ps<0.0001). Controlling for sociodemographic covariates, frequent attendance (monthly or more often) was associated with higher odds of use of each drug (ps<0.0001). Frequent attendees were at highest risk for use of "club drugs." DISCUSSION Findings from this study can help inform prevention and harm reduction among rave attendees at greatest risk for drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- New York University Langone Medical Center, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA,Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marybec Griffin-Tomas
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Global Institute of Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle C. Ompad
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA,Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Global Institute of Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Chavant F, Boucher A, Le Boisselier R, Deheul S, Debruyne D. New synthetic drugs in addictovigilance. Therapie 2015; 70:167-89. [PMID: 25858573 DOI: 10.2515/therapie/2015001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
New substances, also known as "designer drugs" or "legal highs" are increasingly available to drug users. Two hundred and fifteen hitherto unlisted substances have been notified by European Union member states since 2005. These synthetic drugs, which have been developed to side-step the legislation on drugs, are analogues or derivatives of existing drugs and medications. The availability of these "legal highs", sold on Internet under various denominations such as bath salt, plant fertilizer, chemical not intended for human use, or spice, is unlimited. The effects felt by users vary, and the substances may be stimulant, entactogenic, hallucinogenic, psychedelic or dissociative. The pharmacological targets also vary, and may be either the increase of extracellular levels of neurotransmitters via different mechanisms (reuptake inhibition, stimulation of intracellular release) or else fixation on specific receptors. Several chemical classes, themselves divided into sub-classes, are involved: phenethylamines, tryptamines, piperazines, cathinones, cannabinoids etc. The toxicity of the main members of these categories is increasingly well known, the most deleterious being behavioural effects, physical manifestations, and cardiovascular consequences. However, small variations in their chemical structure can generate effects that are quantitatively different, thus enhancing their toxicity or addictive potential, and much remains to be achieved in terms of knowledge about these new drugs. These substances are indeed present on the French territory, as shown by data provided by the Observatoire Français des Drogues et Toxicomanies, and notifications by the French Addictovigilance network. Screening in clinical toxicology laboratories is not widespread, since these molecules are not detected by the standard screening tests, so that there is probably an under-estimation of the use of these new drugs. The legislation on these substances changes regularly, with more and more countries classifying them as "narcotics" or illegal psychotropic drugs so as to restrict their use, applying a generic classification when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sylvie Deheul
- Centre d'Addictovigilance de Lille, Faculté de médecine, Lille, France
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47
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Chavant F, Boucher A, Le Boisselier R, Deheul S, Debruyne D. Nouvelles drogues de synthèse en addictovigilance. Therapie 2015. [DOI: 10.2515/therapie/2014235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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48
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Hondebrink L, Nugteren-van Lonkhuyzen JJ, Van Der Gouwe D, Brunt TM. Monitoring new psychoactive substances (NPS) in The Netherlands: data from the drug market and the Poisons Information Centre. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 147:109-15. [PMID: 25541244 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) appearing on the illicit drug market strongly increased. However, little is known about their toxic effects and risks. Therefore, we determined the most frequently occurring NPS in The Netherlands and combined this with data regarding drug-related intoxications. METHODS Data from the Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) and the Dutch Poisons Information Centre (DPIC) were combined and jointly analyzed. RESULTS The number of drug samples submitted to DIMS for analysis containing NPS increased from 22 in 2007 to 431 samples in 2013. The most frequently submitted NPS in 2013 included 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B), 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), methoxetamine (MXE) and 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB). From 2012 onwards, the number of NPS bought as drug of choice exceeded those appearing as adulterants in established drugs. The DPIC was consulted about 35 NPS exposures in 2013, most frequently involving 4-FA, mephedrone, MXE, 2C-B and 6-APB. Following NPS exposure, neurological and psychological symptoms were most frequently reported, like agitation and hallucinations. In addition, cardiovascular symptoms like hypertension and tachycardia often occurred. CONCLUSIONS NPS are currently being purchased as drug of choice in The Netherlands and their availability and use is increasing. Although pharmacological and toxicological data are scarce, NPS can induce pronounced clinical effects. Therefore, the monitoring of trends in NPS prevalence needs to be continued, combined with reported clinical effects, and preferably supported by analytical confirmation of exposures in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hondebrink
- National Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Daan Van Der Gouwe
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tibor M Brunt
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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49
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Schmid Y, Hysek CM, Preller KH, Bosch OG, Bilderbeck AC, Rogers RD, Quednow BB, Liechti ME. Effects of methylphenidate and MDMA on appraisal of erotic stimuli and intimate relationships. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:17-25. [PMID: 25498417 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Methylphenidate mainly enhances dopamine neurotransmission whereas 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") mainly enhances serotonin neurotransmission. However, both drugs also induce a weaker increase of cerebral noradrenaline exerting sympathomimetic properties. Dopaminergic psychostimulants are reported to increase sexual drive, while serotonergic drugs typically impair sexual arousal and functions. Additionally, serotonin has also been shown to modulate cognitive perception of romantic relationships. Whether methylphenidate or MDMA alter sexual arousal or cognitive appraisal of intimate relationships is not known. Thus, we evaluated effects of methylphenidate (40 mg) and MDMA (75 mg) on subjective sexual arousal by viewing erotic pictures and on perception of romantic relationships of unknown couples in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 30 healthy adults. Methylphenidate, but not MDMA, increased ratings of sexual arousal for explicit sexual stimuli. The participants also sought to increase the presentation time of implicit sexual stimuli by button press after methylphenidate treatment compared with placebo. Plasma levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone were not associated with sexual arousal ratings. Neither MDMA nor methylphenidate altered appraisal of romantic relationships of others. The findings indicate that pharmacological stimulation of dopaminergic but not of serotonergic neurotransmission enhances sexual drive. Whether sexual perception is altered in subjects misusing methylphenidate e.g., for cognitive enhancement or as treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is of high interest and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Schmid
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cédric M Hysek
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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50
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Hysek CM, Schmid Y, Rickli A, Liechti ME. Carvedilol inhibits the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans: Lost in translation. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:1273-5. [PMID: 24033079 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric M Hysek
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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