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Interactions between bupropion and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in healthy subjects
Yasmin Schmid1, Anna Rickli1, Antonia Schaffner1
1Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Y.S., A.R., A.S., U.D., C.M.H., M.E.L.); and Biomedicine Service, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland (E.G.).
The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
|February 7, 2015
Summary
Bupropion reduces ecstasy's (MDMA) heart rate effects but prolongs its mood effects by altering drug concentrations. Dopamine does not appear to modulate MDMA's mood effects, contrary to initial hypotheses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is a widely used recreational psychoactive substance.
- MDMA's effects are partly mediated by its interaction with dopamine and norepinephrine transporters.
- Bupropion is an antidepressant that inhibits these transporters, making it a potential tool to study MDMA's mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dopamine in the psychotropic effects of MDMA.
- To examine the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between bupropion and MDMA.
- To understand how bupropion affects MDMA's impact on mood and cardiovascular responses.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted.
- Sixteen healthy subjects participated in the study.
- Interactions were assessed by measuring plasma concentrations and subjective effects after co-administration of bupropion and MDMA.
Main Results:
- Bupropion attenuated MDMA-induced increases in norepinephrine and heart rate.
- Bupropion increased plasma concentrations of MDMA, prolonging its subjective effects.
- MDMA also increased plasma concentrations of bupropion, suggesting a mutual pharmacokinetic interaction.
Conclusions:
- Norepinephrine transporter inhibition contributes to MDMA's cardiovascular effects.
- Dopamine does not appear to modulate MDMA's mood-altering effects.
- Concurrent use of MDMA and bupropion may lead to increased drug levels, enhanced mood effects, and reduced cardiac stimulation.