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Sleep EEG effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDE; "eve") in healthy volunteers
E Gouzoulis1, A Steiger, M Ensslin
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDE; "Eve") exerts similar psychotropic effects in humans as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "Ecstasy") and is less toxic in animal studies. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) study with healthy volunteers. One hundred forty milligrams of MDE or placebo were administered PO in six subjects at 11 PM. Sleep EEG was registered from 11 PM-7 AM the next morning. All subjects had a normal sleep onset latency. They all awoke 60 to 120 min after administration of MDE and stayed awake for at least 150 min (total sleep time, TST MDE < placebo and intermittent time awake MDE > placebo: p < 0.001). After again falling asleep rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was totally suppressed (REM during time in bed, TIB MDE < placebo: p < 0.001). A cyclic alternation of relatively long periods of slow wave sleep (SWS) with periods of light sleep occurred in three subjects during the second part of the night (stage 4 in second part of night MDE > placebo: p = 0.16). The effects of MDE on sleep variables largely demonstrate the stimulant, amphetamine-like properties of MDE.
Insights
3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDE) significantly disrupts sleep, reducing total sleep time and suppressing REM sleep. These findings highlight MDE's stimulant properties, similar to amphetamines.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDE) shares psychotropic effects with MDMA.
- MDE exhibits lower toxicity in animal models compared to MDMA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of MDE on human sleep architecture.
- To compare MDE's impact on sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) variables against a placebo.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design.
- Administration of 140 mg MDE or placebo to six healthy volunteers.
- Continuous polysomnographic sleep EEG monitoring from 11 PM to 7 AM.
Main Results:
- MDE administration led to wakefulness 60-120 minutes post-dose, significantly reducing total sleep time (TST).
- Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was completely suppressed following MDE intake.
- Increased stage 4 sleep was observed in some subjects during the latter half of the night.
Conclusions:
- MDE demonstrates significant stimulant and amphetamine-like effects on human sleep patterns.
- The observed sleep disruptions, including reduced TST and REM suppression, are characteristic of stimulant drug action.
- Further research into MDE's neuropharmacological profile is warranted.