Citation

Hoo GWS. J. Intensive Care Med. 2013; 28(4): 259-261.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0885066612457331

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The compound 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly known as "Ecstasy", is a well recognized but often an underappreciated drug of abuse. It is a synthetic derivative of amphetamine intended for use as an appetite suppressant when created in 1912. This never materialized and use was dormant until the 1970s, when reports surfaced on its use in psychoanalysis and as a recreational drug. While similar to amphetamine, it has a methylenedioxy ring substitution and resembles the hallucinogen mescaline. Its abuse potential led to its classification as a scheduled I hallucinogen in 1985, by the Food and Drug Administration. It is no longer used for medicinal purposes, except in an investigational setting. Its main effects of mood enhancement and euphoria have made it a favorite in dance clubs and "rave" parties. Reports place it just behind amphetamine compounds and ahead of cocaine in terms of its use in adults, with an estimated consumption of as many as 2 millions tablets weekly and over 28 million worldwide users....

Language: en