Ecstasys Long-Term Effects

Colado MI, O Shea E Green AR (2004). Acute and long-term effects of MDMA on cerebral dopamine biochemistry and function. Psychopharmacology, 173, 249-63 Cole JC Sumnall HR ( 2003). Altered states The clinical effects of ecstasy. Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 98, 35-58 Conklin CA Tiffany ST (2002). Applying extinction research and theory to cue-exposure addiction treatments. Addiction, 97, 155-67... 

One difficulty with studying the long-term effects of ecstasy is that ecstasy users rarely use just one drug therefore the deficits in learning, memory, and impulsiv-ity cannot be linked exclusively to ecstasy. In addition, research in humans is too preliminary to be entirely sure that ecstasy use is causing these deficits. As of 2002, more studies are focusing on humans, and within the next couple of years research is expected to provide more definitive evidence of ecstasy s long-term effects, the mechanisms of action, and whether the deficits presented in this section are irreversible. 

Buchert R, Thomasius R, Wilke F, Peterson K, Nebeling B, Obrocki J, Schulze O, Schmidt U, Clausen M. A voxel-based PET investigation of the long-term effects of ecstasy consumption on brain serotonin transporters. Am J Psychiatry 2004 161 1181-9. 

Buchert R, Thomasius R, Nebeling B, Petersen K, Obrocki J, Jenicke L, Wilke F, Wartberg L, Zapletalova P, Clausen M. Long-term effects of ecstasy use on serotonin transporters of the brain investigated by PET. J Nucl Med 2003 44 375-84. 

Casco C, Forcella MC, Beretta G, Grieco A, Campana G. Long-term effects of MDMA (ecstasy) on the human... 

Some animal studies have found that a brain on Ecstasy demonstrates symptoms similar to those of patients with Alzheimer s disease, including damage to nerve terminals. Because scientists are just now beginning to see the long-term effects of Ecstasy, it is possible that people may suffer brain damage, and even experience suicidal depression, 10 to 15 years after using the drug. 

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