2009/09/30 by Euphrosyne Gouzoulis‐Mayfrank, Jörg Daumann · 1 citation
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics · Neuroscience · Psychology · #Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis #Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior #Psychedelics and Drug Studies
paper · doi:10.31887/dcns.2009.11.3/egmayfrank
openalex publication_date 2009/09/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Ecstasy (MDMA, 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine) and the stimulants methamphetamine (METH, speed) and amphetamine are popular drugs among young people, particularly in the dance scene. When given in high doses both MDMA and the stimulant amphetamines are clearly neurotoxic in laboratory animals. MDMA causes selective and persistent lesions of central serotonergic nerve terminals, whereas amphetamines damage both the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. In recent years, the question of ecstasy-induced neurotoxicity and possible functional sequelae has been addressed in several studies in drug users. Despite large methodological problems, the bulk of evidence suggests residual alterations of serotonergic transmission in MDMA users, although at least partial recovery may occur after long-term abstinence. However, functional sequelae may persist even after longer periods of abstinence. To date, the most consistent findings associate subtle cognitive impairments with ecstasy use, particularly with memory. In contrast, studies on possible long-term neurotoxic effects of stimulant use have been relatively scarce. Preliminary evidence suggests that alterations of the dopaminergic system may persist even after years of abstinence from METH, and may be associated with deficits in motor and cognitive performance. In this paper, we will review the literature focusing on human studies.