Ethanol co-administration moderates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine effects on human physiology.
Alcohol is frequently used in combination with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Both drugs affect cardiovascular function, hydration and temperature regulation, but may have partly opposing effects. The present study aims to assess the acute physiologic effects of (co-) administration of MDMA and ethanol over time. A four-way, double blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study in 16 healthy volunteers (9 male and 7 female) between the ages of 18 and 29. MDMA (100 mg) was given orally and blood ethanol concentration was maintained at pseudo-steady state levels of 0.6 per thousand by a three-hour 10% intravenous ethanol clamp. Cardiovascular function, temperature and hydration measures were recorded throughout the study days. Ethanol did not significantly affect physiologic function, with the exception of a short lasting increase in heart rate. MDMA potently increased heart rate and blood pressure and induced fluid retention as well as an increase in temperature. Co-administration of ethanol with MDMA did not affect cardiovascular function compared to the MDMA alone condition, but attenuated the effects of MDMA on fluid retention and showed a trend for attenuation of MDMA-induced temperature increase. In conclusion, co-administration of ethanol and MDMA did not exacerbate physiologic effects compared to all other drug conditions, and moderated some effects of MDMA alone.
Dumont
G J H
GJ
Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. G.J.H.Dumont@psy.umcn.nl
Kramers
C
C
Sweep
F C G J
FC
Willemsen
J J
JJ
Touw
D J
DJ
Schoemaker
R C
RC
van Gerven
J M A
JM
Buitelaar
J K
JK
Verkes
R J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D006213:Hallucinogens; D000431:Ethanol; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine