MDEA methylenedioxy

The threshold dose of MDMA is 30 mg, but the average dose is 80-150 mg, with some users taking in excess of 200 mg. The lethal dose is estimated (from animal data) to be approximately 6,000 mg. On the street, concentrations of MDMA can vary greatly, and tablets may also contain other substances such as methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxy-ethylamphetamine (MDEA) (Sherlock et al. 1999). The presence of these other substances is often associated with emergency presentations because of their narrower therapeutic windows. 

MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) was available in the 1960 s. The molecule produces empathy in human subjects. In the 1970 s, MDMA(3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) appeared, followed by MDEA(3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine) in the 1980 s. All of these molecules were placed in schedule 1 because they were being abused. 

FIG U RE 11.1 Effect of supporting gas atmosphere on collision cross section of six amphetamines in four gases. Although the core ion (MH ) is the same in each gas, adducts and associations are influenced distinctly by each gas. Differences in cross section will lead to differences in mobility. The substances are as follows AM, amphetamine MA, methamphetamine EA, ethylamphetamine MDA, 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine and MDEA, 3,4-methylenedioxy ethylamphetamine. (From Matz et al.. Investigation of drift gas selectivity inhigh resolution ion mobility spectrometry with mass spectrometry detection, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2002, 300-307. With permission.)... 

The most common amphetamine derivatives in the illicit drug market include amphetamine sulfate, methylamphetamine, methylenedioxy amphetamine (MDA), methylenedioxy methyl amphetamine (MDMA), and methylenedioxy ethyl amphetamine (MDEA). Dosages in powders and tablets vary considerably but are generally in the range of 50-250 pg of drug in a single dose. Most, if not all, amphetamine and related compounds are synthesized in clandestine laboratories by various synthetic routes (Figure 5). 

XTC, and Adam [22]. Its name is effectively used with a nonselective form and is applied to 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and to 3,4-methylenedioxy-ethylamphetamine (MDEA) that is also known on the streets as Eve. These three compounds are quite similar in their chemical compositions and biological effects [23]. Their structures and m/z values are shown in Figure 16.6a-c. 

ATS include the amphetamine-group substances, consisting of methamphetamine and amphetamine, and the ecstasy-group substances, consisting mainly of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy or MDMA), 3,4-methylene-dioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-A-ethylamphetamine (MDEA), and A-methyl-l-(3,4 methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (MBDB)(UNODC, 2009). 

Amphetamine and related substances show symphaticomimetic and CNS stimulant activity. Amphetamines are indirect monoamine agonists and interact with the membrane transporters involved in neurotransmitter reuptake and vesicular storage systems. Therefore, they stimulate the release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin from presynaptic terminals in the CNS and at the peripheral level (De La Torre et al., 2004). Methamphetamine and the methylenedioxy derivatives (MDA, MDMA, MDEA, MBDB) can inhibit the activity of enzymes of dopamine or serotonin biosynthesis (De La Torre et al., 2004). 

All concentrations in ng/L. Values in square brackets refer to standard deviations values in parenthesis refer to mean values, nd, not determined. Abbreviations CE, cocaethylene NBE, nor-BE MDA 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine MDEA 3,4-methylenedioxy-JV-ethylamphetamine MA, methylamphetamine others explained in text. 

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