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"Dr. Ecstasy" laments the rave drug's notoriety
Reuters ^ | Fri Dec 2, 2005 7:02 PM ET | Jason Szep

Posted on 12/02/2005 4:35:53 PM PST by Jean S

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1 posted on 12/02/2005 4:35:54 PM PST by Jean S
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To: JeanS

MDMA was around back in the 60's, as one more thing to drop when you got bored with acid, psilocybin, mescaline and diet pills. It wasn't called ecstasy then.

I can't remember what it was called.


2 posted on 12/02/2005 4:39:57 PM PST by Argus
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To: Argus

I think it was called MDA.


3 posted on 12/02/2005 4:41:01 PM PST by Jean S
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To: Argus

"I can't remember what it was called."

hmmm... side effects?

(kidding)


4 posted on 12/02/2005 4:41:39 PM PST by kpp_kpp
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To: JeanS
Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): A review of 15 years of empirical research.

Parrott, A. C. Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK.

Human Psychopharmacology (2001), 16(8), 557-577.

Abstract

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or Ecstasy was scheduled as an illegal drug in 1986, but since then its recreational use has increased dramatically. This review covers 15 yr of research into patterns of use, its acute psychol. and physiol. effects, and the long-term consequences of repeated use. MDMA is an indirect monoaminergic agonist, stimulating the release and inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and, to a lesser extent, other neurotransmitters.

Single doses of MDMA have been administered to human volunteers in double-blind placebo-controlled trials, although most findings are based upon recreational MDMA users. The massive boost in neurotransmitter activity can generate intense feelings of elation and pleasure, also hyperactivity and hyperthermia. This psychophysiol. arousal may be exacerbated by high ambient temps., overcrowding, prolonged dancing, and other stimulant drugs.

Occasionally the serotonin syndrome reactions may prove fatal. In the days after Ecstasy use, around 80% of users report rebound depression and lethargy, due probably to monoaminergic depletion. Dosage escalation and chronic pharmacodynamic tolerance typically occur in regular users.

Repeated doses of MDMA cause serotonergic neurotoxicity in lab. animals, and there is extensive evidence for long-term neuropsychopharmacol. damage in humans. Abstinent regular Ecstasy users often display reduced levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, tryptophan hydroxylase, and serotonin transporter d.; functional deficits in learning/memory, higher cognitive processing, sleep, appetite, and psychiatric well-being, and, most paradoxically, loss of sexual interest/pleasure.

These psychobiol. deficits are greatest in heavy Ecstasy users and may reflect serotonergic axonal loss in the higher brain regions, esp. the frontal lobes, temporal lobes, and hippocampus. These problems seem to remain long after the recreational use of Ecstasy has ceased, suggesting that the neuropharmacol. damage may be permanent.

5 posted on 12/02/2005 4:44:45 PM PST by 45Auto (Big holes are (almost) always better.)
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To: JeanS
Shulgin...fears the drug's notoriety and popularity at nightclubs is destroying any chance that it might be used to treat the mentally ill."

...now if it was just used at rock concerts and love-ins it would be ok.

6 posted on 12/02/2005 4:46:49 PM PST by fat city ("The nation that controls magnetism controls the world.")
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To: JeanS

Drugs start out this way all the time. Good intentions and then abuse. If the drug has any potential to get somebody high somebody will go for it.


7 posted on 12/02/2005 4:47:34 PM PST by Anti-Bubba182
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To: JeanS

MDA is not the same as MDMA. They differ by a methyl group.


8 posted on 12/02/2005 4:51:33 PM PST by coloradan (Failing to protect the liberties of your enemies establishes precedents that will reach to yourself.)
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To: JeanS
The 80-year-old former lecturer at the University of California at Berkeley, who self-tested many of his experiments and admits to more than 4,000 psychedelic experiences, finds little comfort in Ecstasy's image as the drug of choice at all-night nightclub dance parties or raves.

I find little comfort he is considered an expert on anything.

9 posted on 12/02/2005 4:52:16 PM PST by operation clinton cleanup
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Comment #10 Removed by Moderator

To: Argus

STP


11 posted on 12/02/2005 4:58:44 PM PST by mylife (The roar of the masses could be farts)
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To: Argus
The pills that are handed out in clubs are unfortunately laced with other poisons like heroine, etc. Ecstasy is destroying lives...
12 posted on 12/02/2005 5:02:01 PM PST by todd1
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To: mylife

I thought STP was something else. What the hell, they're all speed when you get right down to it.


13 posted on 12/02/2005 5:22:24 PM PST by Argus
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To: Argus

I could be wrong but I was taught that STP was MDMA


14 posted on 12/02/2005 5:24:21 PM PST by mylife (The roar of the masses could be farts)
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To: JeanS

15 posted on 12/02/2005 5:26:51 PM PST by woofie (Hating GW Bush Never Fed a Hungry Child)
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To: mylife
Depends on your definition of speed, I suppose.


16 posted on 12/02/2005 5:26:53 PM PST by operation clinton cleanup
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To: Argus; JeanS

Yes, it was called MDA.


17 posted on 12/02/2005 5:27:24 PM PST by muggs
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To: JeanS; Argus

I seem to remember it as MD-20/20 or "Mad Dog 20/20"


18 posted on 12/02/2005 5:29:28 PM PST by One_who_hopes_to_know
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To: mylife

It's also the racer's edge.

You may recall correctly.


19 posted on 12/02/2005 5:32:34 PM PST by Argus
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To: 45Auto

bump for later


20 posted on 12/02/2005 5:38:19 PM PST by somniferum
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