Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

ACS Chemical Neuroscience
Lee E DunlapDavid E Olson

Abstract

Better known as "ecstasy", 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a small molecule that has played a prominent role in defining the ethos of today's teenagers and young adults, much like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) did in the 1960s. Though MDMA possesses structural similarities to compounds like amphetamine and mescaline, it produces subjective effects that are unlike any of the classical psychostimulants or hallucinogens and is one of the few compounds capable of reliably producing prosocial behavioral states. As a result, MDMA has captured the attention of recreational users, the media, artists, psychiatrists, and neuropharmacologists alike. Here, we detail the synthesis of MDMA as well as its pharmacology, metabolism, adverse effects, and potential use in medicine. Finally, we discuss its history and why it is perhaps the most important compound for the future of psychedelic science-having the potential to either facilitate new psychedelic research initiatives, or to usher in a second Dark Age for the field.

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Citations

Dec 13, 2019·Biologie aujourd'hui·Rémi Corne, Raymond Mongeau
Jan 25, 2020·Journal of Psychoactive Drugs·Lindsay P CameronDavid E Olson
Jan 2, 2021·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Nicole S Jones, Jeffrey H Comparin
Feb 20, 2021·Critical Reviews in Toxicology·Eefje Vercoulen, Laura Hondebrink
Apr 17, 2021·ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·David E Olson
Aug 17, 2021·Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·Kristin Waters
Jul 24, 2018·ACS Chemical Neuroscience·Lindsay P Cameron, David E Olson

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