3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly known as ecstasy, has become a popular recreational drug for adolescents participating in “raves”. Taken as a tablet, MDMA indirectly increases the concentration of serotonin in the central nervous system through the inhibition of monoamine transporters, vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO). Although, MDMA also increases the amount of dopamine and noradrenaline, the excessive release of serotonin is the primary mechanism of action. It induces desirable effects that are physical or psychological. However, prolonged MDMA use can disrupt normal serotonergic pathways in the brain by provoking neurotoxicity.
Though MDMA affects the action of monoamine transporters, MDMA has a higher affinity to bind to serotonin transporters …show more content…
The actions of serotonin and possibly dopamine induce the psychological effects of euphoria, loss of social inhibition and increased confidence. However, coupled with the desirable effects, the exaggerated serotonin responses causes muscular tension which is associated with bruxism and increased muscle activity. This can effectively evoke hyperthermia which can lead to death. Other symptoms immediately experienced include high heart rate, low blood pressure, dilated pupils, nystagmus and seizures. Thus, it is possible that Joe overdosed on MDMA.
Furthermore, when the desirable effects of MDMA are diminished, the brain has an abnormally low concentration in serotonin. Thus, while the brain is reproducing serotonin, this serotonin “crash” will trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, lack of motivation and decreased ability to concentrate. This “crash” does not typically last long. However, chronic users of MDMA will experience longer crashes due to decreased serotonin-containing neurons and damaged serotonergic axons in the
Though MDMA affects the action of monoamine transporters, MDMA has a higher affinity to bind to serotonin transporters …show more content…
The actions of serotonin and possibly dopamine induce the psychological effects of euphoria, loss of social inhibition and increased confidence. However, coupled with the desirable effects, the exaggerated serotonin responses causes muscular tension which is associated with bruxism and increased muscle activity. This can effectively evoke hyperthermia which can lead to death. Other symptoms immediately experienced include high heart rate, low blood pressure, dilated pupils, nystagmus and seizures. Thus, it is possible that Joe overdosed on MDMA.
Furthermore, when the desirable effects of MDMA are diminished, the brain has an abnormally low concentration in serotonin. Thus, while the brain is reproducing serotonin, this serotonin “crash” will trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, lack of motivation and decreased ability to concentrate. This “crash” does not typically last long. However, chronic users of MDMA will experience longer crashes due to decreased serotonin-containing neurons and damaged serotonergic axons in the