1. Ethanol co-administration moderates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine effects on human physiology.
- Author
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Dumont, G. J. H., Kramers, C., Sweep, F. C. G. J., Willemsen, J. J., Touw, D. J., Schoemaker, R. C., van Gerven, J. M. A., Buitelaar, J. K., and Verkes, R. J.
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PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of alcohol , *PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY , *ECSTASY (Drug) , *ALCOHOL in the body , *PHARMACODYNAMICS , *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 fourway, 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‰ 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, coadministration of ethanol and MDMA did not exacerbate physiologic effects compared to all other drug conditions, and moderated some effects of MDMA alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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