To the Editor: Judging from the content of Mr Vastag's Medical News & Perspectives article,1 it appears that he missed the big-picture message from the 60 researchers who presented the latest science findings on MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine; "ecstasy") at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The overarching message from this international conference with over 500 attendees was that MDMA is quite dangerous both in the short term and in the long term.
There is substantial scientific and clinical evidence to show that MDMA damages brain cells, which may account for the long-lasting behavioral effects that users report, such as memory loss and mood changes. Admittedly, there is still much that is not known about the consequences of using this drug; however, the conclusion from this NIH conference is that ecstasy is clearly anything but benign. Because of its stimulant properties MDMA can dangerously increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Scientific experts at the conference have confirmed that it damages brain cells, even in occasional users. This is a message that the public needs to hear.
There is no disputing that MDMA use is increasing and that effective prevention messages must be matched with the appropriate population. The NIH will continue to support and disseminate research on this important topic as the science continues to unravel the consequences of this drug.
Alan I. Leshner, PhD
National Institutes of Health
Washington, DC
MDMA is the son of MDA, crank. The data on crank is in. A nono for neurons.
Its my understanding that alcohol dosn't damage brain cells but kills them. If this is true, which is worse, alcohol or ecstacy?
The difference between MDMA and MDA is a single methyl group and niether is "crank". "Crank" is a generic term applied mostly to "dirty" methamphetamines (as opposed to the crystal variety). MDA and MDMA are amphetamine derived, but neither is "crank".
I think crank refers to crystal methamphetimine. MDMA and MDA are both refered to as ecstasy.