MDMA (Ecstasy).
BACKGROUND
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy) is a synthetic amphetamine analogue that is recreationally used to obtain a psychological effect of enhanced affiliative emotional response. Its use in Western countries appears to be increasing, particularly among young individuals.


METHODS
Pertinent basic and clinical literature is critically reviewed.


RESULTS
A significant body of literature suggests that the patterns of MDMA use differ from traditional drugs of abuse, with relatively uncommon dependence and escalation of dosage. Nonetheless, MDMA is also neurotoxic with significant deleterious effects on serotonergic neurons, memory, and mood. Despite this, there is a dearth of treatment strategies for both acute intoxication and consequences of longer term use.


CONCLUSIONS
MDMA is an important drug of abuse that has a wide range of adverse consequences.
El-Mallakh
Rif S
RS
Mood Disorders Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. rselma01@louisville.edu
Abraham
Henry David
HD
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors