Role of Serotonin in Acute and Subacute MDMA Effects
Summary
The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of MDMA (particularly its emotional effects) and to determine the role of serotonin in these effects. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that is released by some brain cells to communicate with other brain cells. Many of the effects of MDMA are thought to be the result of increased serotonin release.
In order to understand the effects of MDMA and role of serotonin in these effects, we will administer MDMA alone and in combination with the antidepressant citalopram (one trade name for this is Celexa). Citalopram decreases the ability of MDMA to release serotonin. Citalopram will therefore decrease any of MDMA's effects that are the result of serotonin release; we want to measure this.
Study Design
Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Conditions
MDMA Mechanism of Action
Intervention
MDMA and citalopram, Placebo
Location
CPMC Research Institute, St.Luke's Hospital
San Francisco
California
United States
94110
Status
Active, not recruiting
Source
California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute
Results (where available)
Links
- Source: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00838305
- Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on July 15, 2010
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
An N-substituted amphetamine analog. It is a widely abused drug classified as a hallucinogen and causes marked, long-lasting changes in brain serotonergic systems. It is commonly referred to as MDMA or ecstasy.
Designer Drugs
Drugs designed and synthesized, often for illegal street use, by modification of existing drug structures (e.g., amphetamines). Of special interest are MPTP (a reverse ester of meperidine), MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Many drugs act on the aminergic system, the physiologically active biogenic amines.
Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic
Agents that aid or increase the action of the principle drug (DRUG SYNERGISM) or that affect the absorption, mechanism of action, metabolism, or excretion of the primary drug (PHARMACOKINETICS) in such a way as to enhance its effects.
Nonachlazine
Coronary vasodilator with a novel mechanism of action; proposed as antianginal agent.
Deanol
An antidepressive agent that has also been used in the treatment of movement disorders. The mechanism of action is not well understood.
Clinical Trials
Pharmacological Interaction Between Pindolol and MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "Ecstasy") produces tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, and other acute adverse effects. Ecstasy use has also been associated with rare cardio...
Interaction Between Duloxetine and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy)
The purpose of this study is to determinate the effect of a pre-treatment with the combined serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) transport blocker duloxetine on the pharmacodynamics an...
The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of MDMA on sleep, mood, thinking, and how your body retains water. The researchers are interested in the effects that occur a few hour...
Neurobiology and Pharmacokinets of Acute MDMA Administration
Background: - 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is a synthetic psychoactive drug that has shown a steep increase in recreational use and abuse b...
A Test of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This study is being conducted to find out if methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy is safe and can help people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from...
PubMed Articles
RATIONALE: Pupillometry can be used to characterize autonomic drug effects. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy),...
Variability in the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine content of 'ecstasy' tablets in the UK.
Background Toxicity, such as hyperpyrexia, associated with the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy') appears to be related to serum MDMA concentrations. However, there does not ap...
Neuropsychological disturbances have been reported in association with use of the recreational drug "ecstasy," or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but findings have been inconsistent. We perf...
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychoactive stimulant abused by young people as the recreational drug ecstasy. Other compounds, either deliberately added or present as byproducts, are o...
In Western societies a considerable percentage of young people expose themselves to the combination of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'ecstasy') and cannabis. The aim of the present study...
