Chapter 15: Ecstasy

Question 0

It is banned in Canada, the USA, and UK since 1985 due to what?

Answer 0

• neurotoxic effects seen in both rats and humans (death via serotonin releasing cells)

Question 1

When was it originally synthesized? For what function?

Answer 1

• 90 years ago

- appetite suppressant

Question 2

Originally it was used as a ___ drug. Which means?

Answer 2

• designer drug

L> not subjected to legislation

Question 3

MDMA is a potent releaser of what four NT’s?

Answer 3

1. 5-HT (serotonin)
2. DA (dopamine)
3. NE (Norepinephrine )
4. Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

Subjectively MDMA induces both ___ like and ___ like effects but usually without the ___ produced by __. (except in higher doses)

Answer 4

• LSD, amphetamines, hallucinations, LSD

Question 5

In animals , MDMA will generalize to what drug and not what other?

Answer 5

• amphetamine

- but not LSD

Question 6

What are the most common positive subjective effects of MDMA? (6)

Answer 6

1. changes in feelings and emotions > 2. increase in communication, empathy and understanding in interactions with others> 3. cognitive insights> 4. euphoria> 5. perceptual distortions or hallucinations> 6. transcendental or religious experiences

Question 7

What are the most common negative effects of MDMA?

8

Answer 7

1. elevation of bp and pulse > 2. muscle tension and jaw clenching > 3. fatigue > 4. insomnia > 5. sweating > 6. Blurred vision > 7. loss of motor control > 8. anxiety

Question 8

Can induce Serotonin Syndrome, symptoms?(6)

Answer 8

• disorientation and confusion
• agitation and restlessness
• fever and shivering
• profuse sweating
• impaired coordination
• involuntary muscle contractions

Question 9

It can cause loss of heat regulation which can damage what three things?

Answer 9

-muscles, liver and kidneys

Question 10

It can trigger epileptiform seizures, description?

Answer 10

• brief episodes of abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain..
• thrashing, loss of awareness
• epilepsy (unprovoked recurrent)

Question 11

Most frequently reported long term effects (Verheyden et al. 2003)

1. Development of tolerance to positive effects, while negative effects increase - stat?
2. Impaired ability to concentrate - stat?
3. Depression - stat?
4. feeling more open towards people - stat?

Answer 11

1. 59%
2. 38%
3. 37%
4. 31%

Question 12

MDMA is ____ to serotonergic neurons aka ___ degeneration.

Answer 12

• neurotoxic, axon

Question 13

After use of MDMA in animals, cerebral levels of 5-HT __ and can last for months (rats) or years (primates).

Answer 13

• decline

Question 14

In humans, use of MDMA. There is some evidence for ___ neurotoxicity but it is complicated by ___ use (common) and ___ of MDMA with other drugs.

Answer 14

• 5-HT
• polydrug
• adulteration (cutting agents…..reduce the amount of expensive product in illicit drugs)

Question 15

Human users of MDMA have shown abnormalities in ___, ___, ___,___ and other dimensions of ___.

Answer 15

• sleep, mood, neuroendocrine function, impulsivity and other dimensions of personality.

Question 16

Numerous studies of users have found deficits in ____, ___, ___, and ___.

Answer 16

• short term and long term memory, processing speed and attention

Question 17

Saliva dinorum?

Answer 17

• psyhoactive plant that produces visions and dissociative effects like LSD
• active ingredient = Salvinorin A - first known diterpene hallucinogen