Amphetamines MDMA, ecstasy

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA ecstasy) is a synthetic analog of amphetamine that produces hallucinations, an elevation in mood, and a feeling of emotional closeness . This latter property has led to Ecstasy being referred to as the hug drag . The unique properties of Ecstasy as compared to the parent compound amphetamine are believed to be due to the more selective effects of Ecstasy in promoting transporter-mediated release of serotonin. The use of Ecstasy has become a part of the culture associated with rave style dance parties. 

Fig. 3 Concentrations reported for amphetamine-like compounds in surface water of different European and American countries. AM amphetamine MDA 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine MDMA 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (ecstasy) MA methamphetamine N/A Values not availabe, not measured...

The analogs of current concern include 3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy, Adam, X, Stacy). 

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Amphetamine and related compounds (dexamphetamine, methylphenidate, ephedrine, MDMA [ecstasy], cocaine and other dopaminergic drugs)... 

However, MPPP is sometimes contaminated with the side reaction product l-methyl,4-phenyl-l,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine (MPTP), which produces a parkinsonian syndrome through nigrostriatal lesions. Several substituted derivatives of amphetamine have also been called designer drugs. The most widely known of this group is the hallucinogen MDMA (ecstasy). 

Stimulant drugs commonly abused in the USA include methamphetamine ("crank," "crystal"), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy"), and cocaine ("crack") as well as pharmaceuticals such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and ephedrine (as such and in the herbal agent Ma-huang) (see Chapter 32). Caffeine is often added to dietary supplements sold as "metabolic enhancers" or "fat-burners" and is also sometimes combined with pseudoephedrine in underground pills sold as amphetamine substitutes. 

Other combinations include PCP with LSD, (black acid), cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy). PCP may also be combined with more than one drug at a time. 

People who take PCP often combine it with other drugs, including cocaine, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, amphetamine, marijuana, and crack. Another common practice is to take a type of tranquilizer called a benzodiazepine to come down off PCP when the party is over. These practices of combining PCP with other drugs is particularly common among young people who attend dance clubs and raves. 

The release of NTs into the synaptic cleft from exocytosing synaptic vesicles has been outlined above. Dopamine release is promoted by the stimulants amphetamine and tobacco-derived nicotine. The amphetamine-derived stimulants methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) promote dopamine and serotonin release (Table 6.2). 

Figure 2.10 Amphetamine 30, methamphetamine 31, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine 32 (MDMA, ecstasy, XTC) are lipophilic compounds with good oral bioavailability they easily cross the blood-brain barrier to exert central nervous system effects. Dopamine 33, norepinephrine (noradrenalin) 34, and epinephrine (adrenaline) 35 are polar phenethylamines they have poor oral efficacy and do not pass the blood-brain barrier, producing only peripheral effects after intravenous application. Ephedrine 36 has intermediate lipophilicity besides its peripheral effects it also acts as a central stimulant. Although L-dopa 37 is even more polar than dopamine 33, it is orally active and crosses the blood-brain barrier by active transport mediated by the amino acid transporter.

Methylated amphetamines include drugs such as MDA and MDMA (ecstasy). These drugs are sympathomimetic and produce many other effects similar to LSD but generally do not produce visual hallucinations. 

Methylated amphetamines A class of drugs including MDA and MDMA (ecstasy) (Chapter 12). 

Designer Amphetamines. MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is the most popular of the amphetamine-like dub drugs and is known as ecstasy (Figure 34-19). Other designer amphetamines include... 

While success has been achieved in stemming the flow of precursors for MDMA ( ecstasy ) and amphetamine into Western Europe, little is known on the new methods and routes being used by traffickers... 

MDMA ( ecstasy ), MDA, MDEA amphetamine-like with strong 5HT pharmacology and therefore hallucinogenic generally neurotoxic... 

Khat is a plant material widely chewed in East Africa and Yemen for its stimulant properties these are due to the alka-loidal cathinone, a compound similar to amphetamine. Methcathinone, a congener with similar effects, has been synthesized in clandestine laboratories, but widespread use in North America has not been reported. MDMA ( ecstasy ) also has stimulant properties. 

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