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Reinforcing, subjective, and physiological effects of MDMA in humans: a comparison with d-amphetamine and mCPP

Manuel Tancer1, Chris-Ellyn Johanson

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Substance Abuse Research Division, Addiction Research Institute, Wayne State University, 2761 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207, USA. mtancer@med.wayne.edu

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|October 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and d-amphetamine exhibit reinforcing effects, unlike the serotonin agent mCPP. MDMA

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug with amphetamine and mescaline similarities.
  • Animal studies indicate MDMA affects dopamine and serotonin systems.
  • Human studies lack direct comparisons of MDMA's reinforcing effects with serotonin agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To directly compare the reinforcing, subjective, and physiological effects of MDMA.
  • To compare MDMA against d-amphetamine and mCPP (a serotonin releasing agent).
  • To evaluate these effects in human volunteers.

Main Methods:

  • A within-subject design was used with 12 volunteers.
  • Drugs administered included MDMA, d-amphetamine, mCPP, and placebo.
  • Reinforcing effects were assessed using a multiple choice procedure.

Main Results:

  • Both high-dose d-amphetamine and MDMA demonstrated significant reinforcing effects.
  • MDMA and d-amphetamine showed dose-dependent subjective effects.
  • Physiological effects were most prominent with MDMA; mCPP had minimal impact.

Conclusions:

  • Dopamine and serotonin systems likely mediate MDMA's subjective effects.
  • Reinforcing effects are primarily associated with dopaminergic agents like d-amphetamine and MDMA.
  • MDMA's reinforcing properties distinguish it from the serotonin-specific agent mCPP.

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