[Premeditated ecstasy?].
The 3-4-methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine, or "Ecstasy" is one of the most preferred, illicite recreational drugs in Hungary also. Its effects are basically the same as of the amphetamine's effects,--i.e., central nervous system's and cardiovascular effects. The most important ones are different disturbances in the serotonin and dopamine metabolism, particularly in the CNS. Moreover, under Ecstasy's effect there can be encountered different toxic signs and symptoms as well, e.g. effect on the temperature regulation,--which may require hospitalization. In spite of the users' tenet,--that the drug is a "safe" one,--it is evident that Ecstasy has late effects as well,--for example a single dose may induce Parkinson's like symptoms. Taking into consideration the above mentioned facts, it can be stated un ambiguously that Ecstasy's use should be banned. It is harmful not only to the individual users but to the whole society as well.
Bálint
Gábor Sándor
GS
Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Szent-Györgyi Albert Orvos- és Gyógyszerésztudományi Centrum, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar, Pszichiátriai Klinika.
D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
D012701:Serotonin; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; D004298:Dopamine