title: Ethanol co-administration moderates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine effects on human physiology.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. G.J.H.Dumont@psy.umcn.nl
authors.forename: G J H
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Dumont
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kramers
authors.forename: F C G J
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Sweep
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Willemsen
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Touw
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Schoemaker
authors.forename: J M A
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van Gerven
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Buitelaar
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Verkes
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006213:Hallucinogens; D000431:Ethanol; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine