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Basedow LA, Majić T, Hafiz NJ, Algharably EAE, Kreutz R, Riemer TG. Cognitive functioning associated with acute and subacute effects of classic psychedelics and MDMA - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14782. [PMID: 38926480 PMCID: PMC11208433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have been carried out to assess potential long-term effects of a regular use on cognition, delivering distinct results for psychedelics and MDMA. However, to date knowledge is scarce on cognitive performance during acute effects of those substances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate how cognitive functioning is affected by psychedelics and MDMA during the acute drug effects and the sub-acute ("afterglow") window. Our quantitative analyses suggest that acute cognitive performance is differentially affected by psychedelics when compared to MDMA: psychedelics impair attention and executive function, whereas MDMA primarily affects memory, leaving executive functions and attention unaffected. Our qualitative analyses reveal that executive functioning and creativity may be increased during a window of at least 24 h after the acute effects of psychedelics have subsided, whereas no such results have been observed for MDMA. Our findings may contribute to inform recommendations on harm reduction for recreational settings and to help fostering differential approaches for the use of psychedelics and MDMA within a therapeutic framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas A Basedow
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstraße 18, 35037, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Tomislav Majić
- Psychedelic Substances Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry und Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicklas Jakob Hafiz
- Institute for Educational Quality Improvement (IQB), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Engi A E Algharably
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kreutz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas G Riemer
- Psychedelic Substances Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Yao Y, Guo D, Lu TS, Liu FL, Huang SH, Diao MQ, Li SX, Zhang XJ, Kosten TR, Shi J, Bao YP, Lu L, Han Y. Efficacy and safety of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2024; 335:115886. [PMID: 38574699 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
We aim to systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness and safety of psychedelics [psilocybin, ayahuasca (active component DMT), LSD and MDMA] in treating symptoms of various mental disorders. Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and PubMed were searched up to February 2024 and 126 articles were finally included. Results showed that psilocybin has the largest number of articles on treating mood disorders (N = 28), followed by ayahuasca (N = 7) and LSD (N = 6). Overall, psychedelics have therapeutic effects on mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Specifically, psilocybin (Hedges' g = -1.49, 95% CI [-1.67, -1.30]) showed the strongest therapeutic effect among four psychedelics, followed by ayahuasca (Hedges' g = -1.34, 95% CI [-1.86, -0.82]), MDMA (Hedges' g = -0.83, 95% CI [-1.33, -0.32]), and LSD (Hedges' g = -0.65, 95% CI [-1.03, -0.27]). A small amount of evidence also supports psychedelics improving tobacco addiction, eating disorders, sleep disorders, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. The most common adverse event with psychedelics was headache. Nearly a third of the articles reported that no participants reported lasting adverse effects. Our analyses suggest that psychedelics reduce negative mood, and have potential efficacy in other mental disorders, such as substance-use disorders and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Dan Guo
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tang-Sheng Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fang-Lin Liu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shi-Hao Huang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng-Qi Diao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Su-Xia Li
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhang
- School of Psychology, College of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei Province, China
| | - Thomas R Kosten
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan-Ping Bao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Lin Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Cognitive Disorder, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2018RU006).
| | - Ying Han
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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3
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Doss MK, de Wit H, Gallo DA. The acute effects of psychoactive drugs on emotional episodic memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval: A comprehensive review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105188. [PMID: 37085021 PMCID: PMC10247427 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Psychoactive drugs modulate learning and emotional processes in ways that could impact their recreational and medical use. Recent work has revealed how drugs impact different stages of processing emotional episodic memories, specifically encoding (forming memories), consolidation (stabilizing memories), and retrieval (accessing memories). Drugs administered before encoding may preferentially impair (e.g., GABAA sedatives including alcohol and benzodiazepines, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, ketamine), enhance (e.g., dextroamphetamine and dextromethamphetamine), or both impair and enhance (i.e., ± 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine or MDMA) emotionally negative and positive compared to neutral memories. GABAA sedatives administered immediately post-encoding (during consolidation) can preferentially enhance emotional memories, though this selectivity may decline or even reverse (i.e., preferential enhancement of neutral memories) as the delay between encoding and retrieval increases. Finally, retrieving memories under the effects of THC, dextroamphetamine, MDMA, and perhaps GABAA sedatives distorts memory, with potentially greater selectively for emotional (especially positive) memories. We review these effects, propose neural mechanisms, discuss methodological considerations for future work, and speculate how drug effects on emotional episodic memory may contribute to drug use and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K Doss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research, USA.
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, USA
| | - David A Gallo
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, USA
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4
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Sarparast A, Thomas K, Malcolm B, Stauffer CS. Drug-drug interactions between psychiatric medications and MDMA or psilocybin: a systematic review. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1945-1976. [PMID: 35253070 PMCID: PMC9177763 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVES ± 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin are currently moving through the US Food and Drug Administration's phased drug development process for psychiatric treatment indications: posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, respectively. The current standard of care for these disorders involves treatment with psychiatric medications (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), so it will be important to understand drug-drug interactions between MDMA or psilocybin and psychiatric medications. METHODS In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we queried the MEDLINE database via PubMed for publications of human studies in English spanning between the first synthesis of psilocybin (1958) and December 2020. We used 163 search terms containing 22 psychiatric medication classes, 135 specific psychiatric medications, and 6 terms describing MDMA or psilocybin. RESULTS Forty publications were included in our systematic review: 26 reporting outcomes from randomized controlled studies with healthy adults, 3 epidemiologic studies, and 11 case reports. Publications of studies describe interactions between MDMA (N = 24) or psilocybin (N = 5) and medications from several psychiatric drug classes: adrenergic agents, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, NMDA antagonists, psychostimulants, and several classes of antidepressants. We focus our results on pharmacodynamic, physiological, and subjective outcomes of drug-drug interactions. CONCLUSIONS As MDMA and psilocybin continue to move through the FDA drug development process, this systematic review offers a compilation of existing research on psychiatric drug-drug interactions with MDMA or psilocybin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Sarparast
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kelan Thomas
- College of Pharmacy, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, 94592, USA
| | | | - Christopher S Stauffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Mental Health, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Schifano F, Catalani V, Sharif S, Napoletano F, Corkery JM, Arillotta D, Fergus S, Vento A, Guirguis A. Benefits and Harms of 'Smart Drugs' (Nootropics) in Healthy Individuals. Drugs 2022; 82:633-647. [PMID: 35366192 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
'Smart drugs' (also known as 'nootropics' and 'cognitive enhancers' [CEs]) are being used by healthy subjects (i.e. students and workers) typically to improve memory, attention, learning, executive functions and vigilance, hence the reference to a 'pharmaceutical cognitive doping behaviour'. While the efficacy of known CEs in individuals with memory or learning deficits is well known, their effect on non-impaired brains is still to be fully assessed. This paper aims to provide an overview on the prevalence of use; putative neuroenhancement benefits and possible harms relating to the intake of the most popular CEs (e.g. amphetamine-type stimulants, methylphenidate, donepezil, selegiline, modafinil, piracetam, benzodiazepine inverse agonists, and unifiram analogues) in healthy individuals. CEs are generally perceived by the users as effective, with related enthusiastic anecdotal reports; however, their efficacy in healthy individuals is uncertain and any reported improvement temporary. Conversely, since most CEs are stimulants, the related modulation of central noradrenaline, glutamate, and dopamine levels may lead to cardiovascular, neurological and psychopathological complications. Furthermore, use of CEs can be associated with paradoxical short- and long-term cognitive decline; decreased potential for plastic learning; and addictive behaviour. Finally, the non-medical use of any potent psychotropic raises serious ethical and legal issues, with nootropics having the potential to become a major public health concern. Further studies investigating CE-associated social, psychological, and biological outcomes are urgently needed to allow firm conclusions to be drawn on the appropriateness of CE use in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Valeria Catalani
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Safia Sharif
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Flavia Napoletano
- East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), Newham Early Intervention Service, London, UK
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Davide Arillotta
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Suzanne Fergus
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Alessandro Vento
- Department of Mental Health, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
- Addictions' Observatory (ODDPSS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
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6
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Kloft L, Otgaar H, Blokland A, Toennes SW, Ramaekers JG. Remembering Molly: Immediate and delayed false memory formation after acute MDMA exposure. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 57:59-68. [PMID: 35124400 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The entactogen 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is increasingly being recognized for its therapeutic potential but is also widespread in nightlife settings where it may co-occur with crime. Since previous research detected impaired verbal memory during acute MDMA intoxication, understanding the drug's ramifications in an applied legal context becomes crucial. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to examine acute and delayed effects of MDMA (75 mg) on false memory in 60 healthy volunteers with a history of MDMA use, using three well-established false memory methods: a basic, associative word list (Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM)) paradigm and two applied misinformation tasks using a virtual reality crime. Memory was tested immediately (encoding and retrieval under drug influence) and 1 week later (retrieval when sober). Small MDMA-induced impairments of true memory in the word list task were detected at both time points. MDMA increased false memory for related but non-critical lures during the immediate test, and decreased false memory for critical lures after a delay. Episodic memory assessed in the misinformation tasks was not consistently affected. Findings indicate a complex memory profile but no heightened vulnerability to external suggestion in response to MDMA intoxication. Recommendations for future applied legal psychological research include adding measures of recall on top of recognition, using study designs that separate the different memory phases, and potentially testing higher doses. Further research on false memories and suggestibility using imagination procedures can also be relevant for the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Kloft
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Henry Otgaar
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Faculty of Law, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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7
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Regan A, Margolis S, de Wit H, Lyubomirsky S. Does ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) induce subjective feelings of social connection in humans? A multilevel meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258849. [PMID: 34695117 PMCID: PMC8544845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant known for producing positive subjective effects and for enhancing social functioning and social connection in both clinical and recreational settings. Over the past two decades, scientists have begun to study the psychological effects of MDMA through rigorous placebo-controlled experimental work. However, most existing studies have small Ns, and the average sizes of the reported effects are unknown, creating uncertainty about the impact of these findings. The goal of the present study was to quantify the strength of MDMA's effects on self-reported social connection by aggregating sociability-related outcomes across multiple placebo-controlled studies. To this end, we conducted a multilevel meta-analysis based on 27 studies, 54 effect sizes, and a total of 592 participants. The results revealed a moderate-to-large effect (d = 0.86; 95% CI [0.68, 1.04]; r = .39; 95% CI [.32, .46]) of MDMA on self-reported sociability-related outcomes (e.g., feeling loving, talkative, and friendly). Given the magnitude of its effect on felt sociability, we propose that MDMA may have powerful implications for a variety of social contexts and for clinical settings, in particular. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between MDMA and sociability-related feelings, as well as future directions for experimental work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Regan
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Seth Margolis
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Sonja Lyubomirsky
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
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8
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Neurological and cognitive alterations induced by MDMA in humans. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113888. [PMID: 34624331 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine generally referred to as MDMA or 'ecstasy' is a ring-substituted phenethylamine stimulant which produces powerful empathogenic effects. Use of MDMA remains popular despite prohibition, and potential long-term negative consequences of repeated use. MDMA produces its acute subjective effects primarily by stimulating the release of serotonin via action at the serotonin transporter (SERT). There is evidence that MDMA administration may lead to long lasting neurotoxic effects on serotonin neurons in primates, and reductions in markers of central serotonin axons, and axon terminals in animals. In humans, demonstration of serotonergic neurotoxicity is much more difficult to identify, and much of the research is complicated by confounding issues of polysubstance use, genetic and environmental factors and reliance on self-reports of previous drug use. We do not review the mechanisms for neurotoxicity in detail as they are covered elsewhere in this special issue. There is a large body of literature, however, which has investigated potential cognitive and neurocognitive consequences of repeated MDMA use. Here we review the literature on cognition, and neuroimaging studies that have investigated structural and functional brain changes associated with ecstasy use.
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Kloft L, Monds LA, Blokland A, Ramaekers JG, Otgaar H. Hazy memories in the courtroom: A review of alcohol and other drug effects on false memory and suggestibility. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:291-307. [PMID: 33587958 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and other psychoactive drugs are oftentimes implicated in legal cases. A pertinent question herein is whether such substances might adversely affect testimonies of victims, eyewitnesses, or suspects by propelling the formation of false memory and increasing susceptibility to suggestion. In the current review, we amassed all available evidence on the effects of intoxication on false memory formation and suggestibility, including the substances alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis, stimulants, hallucinogens, and antipsychotics. Our review indicated that alcohol and cannabis under certain conditions increased the susceptibility to false memories and/or suggestion with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. When intoxicated during an event, alcohol is most likely to increase this susceptibility at high intoxication levels or after a delay, whereas cannabis exerts detrimental effects during acute intoxication but not necessarily once sober. For other substances, ecologically valid research separating different memory phases is needed. Overall, differences between substances regarding false memory effects exist, suggesting that a nuanced approach is needed when dealing with intoxicated individuals in a legal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Kloft
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Lauren A Monds
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | | | - Henry Otgaar
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Faculty of Law, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Basedow LA, Kuitunen-Paul S, Wiedmann MF, Roessner V, Golub Y. Self-reported PTSD is associated with increased use of MDMA in adolescents with substance use disorders. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1968140. [PMID: 34603636 PMCID: PMC8480619 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1968140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent patients with a substance use disorder (SUD) often fulfil the criteria for a co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is not clear if these dual-diagnosed adolescents present with unique levels of substance use and how their substance use relates to PTSD symptom clusters. OBJECTIVE To investigate substance use in adolescents with co-occurring PTSD and SUD. Additionally, we explored how the use of specific substances is related to specific PTSD symptom clusters. METHOD We recruited n = 121 German adolescent SUD patients, in three groups: no history of traumatic events (TEs) (n = 35), TEs but not PTSD (n = 48), probable PTSD (n = 38). All groups were administered a trauma questionnaire and were asked to report their past-month substance use. RESULTS Adolescents with probable PTSD and SUD report a higher frequency of MDMA use than adolescents with no PTSD and no TE (PTSD vs. noTE: U = 510.5, p = .016; PTSD vs. TE: U = 710.0, p = .010). The use of MDMA was more frequent in adolescents with avoidance symptoms (X2 (1) = 6.0, p = .014). Participants report using substances at a younger age (PTSD vs. noTE: U = 372.0, p = .001; PTSD vs. TE: U = 653.5, p = .022) and PTSD symptom onset was on average 2.2 years earlier than first MDMA use (t (26) = -2.89, p = .008). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent SUD patients with probable PTSD are more likely to use MDMA than SUD patients without PTSD. The use of MDMA was associated with reported avoidance symptoms. The first age of MDMA use is initiated after PTSD onset. It is unclear whether the association of MDMA use with avoidance symptoms is due to efforts to reduce these symptoms or a result of regular MDMA use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Andreas Basedow
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sören Kuitunen-Paul
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Melina Felicitas Wiedmann
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Yulia Golub
- Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty Of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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11
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Vaseghi S, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. How do stupendous cannabinoids modulate memory processing via affecting neurotransmitter systems? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:173-221. [PMID: 33171142 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we wanted to review the role of cannabinoids in learning and memory in animal models, with respect to their interaction effects with six principal neurotransmitters involved in learning and memory including dopamine, glutamate, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), serotonin, acetylcholine, and noradrenaline. Cannabinoids induce a wide-range of unpredictable effects on cognitive functions, while their mechanisms are not fully understood. Cannabinoids in different brain regions and in interaction with different neurotransmitters, show diverse responses. Previous findings have shown that cannabinoids agonists and antagonists induce various unpredictable effects such as similar effect, paradoxical effect, or dualistic effect. It should not be forgotten that brain neurotransmitter systems can also play unpredictable roles in mediating cognitive functions. Thus, we aimed to review and discuss the effect of cannabinoids in interaction with neurotransmitters on learning and memory. In addition, we mentioned to the type of interactions between cannabinoids and neurotransmitter systems. We suggested that investigating the type of interactions is a critical neuropharmacological issue that should be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Hussain JH, Gilbert N, Costello A, Schofield CJ, Kemsley EK, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Quantification of MDMA in seized tablets using benchtop 1H NMR spectroscopy in the absence of internal standards. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, Torrens M, Farré A, Poyatos L, Hladun O, Sanvisens A, Muga R, Farré M. MDMA interactions with pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:357-369. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1749262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Papaseit
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
- Drug Addiction Program, Institut De Neuropsiquiatria I Addiccions-INAD, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Farré
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
- Drug Addiction Program, Institut De Neuropsiquiatria I Addiccions-INAD, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Poyatos
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Olga Hladun
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Arantza Sanvisens
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
| | - Roberto Muga
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Magi Farré
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Departament of Pharmacology, Medicine and Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
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14
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García‐Pardo MP, Miñarro J, Llansola M, Felipo V, Aguilar MA. Role ofNMDAandAMPAglutamatergic receptors in the effects of social defeat on the rewarding properties ofMDMAin mice. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2623-2634. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. P. García‐Pardo
- Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias Departamento de Psicobiología Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Valencia Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21 46010 Valencia Spain
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina Facultat de Ciències de la Salut Universitat Jaume I. Castelló de la Plana Castelló Spain
| | - J. Miñarro
- Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias Departamento de Psicobiología Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Valencia Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21 46010 Valencia Spain
| | - M. Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe Valencia Spain
| | - V. Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe Valencia Spain
| | - M. A. Aguilar
- Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias Departamento de Psicobiología Facultad de Psicología Universidad de Valencia Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21 46010 Valencia Spain
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de Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Theunissen EL, Dolder PC, Mason NL, Hutten NRPW, Toennes SW, Kuypers KPC, Ramaekers JG. Safety Profile and Neurocognitive Function Following Acute 4-Fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) Administration in Humans. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:713. [PMID: 30050434 PMCID: PMC6052735 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Availability of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) exponentially increased over the last years. Risk evaluations of NPS are hampered by the lack of pharmacological studies in humans on health parameters. The aim of the present study was to evaluate safety and neurocognitive function of healthy volunteers (N = 12) who received single doses of 100 and 150 mg 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), a phenethylamine that has been associated with severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. The study was set-up as a placebo controlled, within subject, phase 1 trial as it was the first to administer 4-FA to humans under controlled conditions. Overall, 4-FA produced a strong elevation in blood pressure up until 4–5 h after administration that was followed by a sustained increase in heart rate. After an interim review of safety data from five participants, a decision was taken to cancel administration of 150 mg. We subsequently obtained complete datasets for placebo and 100 mg 4-FA treatments only. Effects of 4-FA on mood and neurocognitive function were most distinct at 1 h post drug and included significant elevations of vigor, friendliness, elation, arousal, positive mood, as well as improvements in attention and motor performance. Negative affect was also reported as time progressed in the acute phase and even more so during the subacute phase. Overall, the influence of 4-FA on vital signs, mood, and neurocognition was similar to that observed with other stimulants. Present findings confirm clinical observations of acute toxicity among 4-FA users and warrant warnings about potential health risks associated with 4-FA use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eef L Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Patrick C Dolder
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Natasha L Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nadia R P W Hutten
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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16
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Haijen E, Farre M, de la Torre R, Pastor A, Olesti E, Pizarro N, Ramaekers JG, Kuypers KPC. Peripheral endocannabinoid concentrations are not associated with verbal memory impairment during MDMA intoxication. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:709-717. [PMID: 29143869 PMCID: PMC5847074 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4787-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical data have suggested involvement of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in MDMA-induced memory impairment. Clinical research has shown that blockade of the 5-HT2 receptor nulls memory impairment during MDMA intoxication. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that the eCB and the 5-HT system interact. It was hypothesized that MDMA would cause an increase in eCB concentrations together with a decrease in memory performance, and that combining MDMA with a 5-HT2 receptor blocker ketanserin would lead to a counteraction of the MDMA effects on eCB concentrations and memory. METHODS Twenty healthy recreational polydrug users entered a double-blind placebo-controlled within-subject study. Participants received a pre-treatment (ketanserin 40 mg, placebo) followed 30 min later by a treatment (MDMA 75 mg, placebo). Verbal memory was tested by means of a 30-word learning test. Endocannabinoid concentrations (anandamide (2-AG); N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA)) were assessed in blood at baseline, before (90 min post-treatment) and after cognitive tests (150 min post-treatment). RESULTS Findings showed that MDMA impaired memory 90 min post-treatment in the word learning task. This effect was a replication of previous studies using the same dose of MDMA (75 mg) and the same learning paradigm. Contrary to our hypothesis, MDMA did not affect eCB concentrations, nor did ketanserin block MDMA-induced memory impairment. Ketanserin caused an increase in AEA concentrations, 180 min after administration. CONCLUSION Current findings suggest that peripherally measured endocannabinoids are not associated with the verbal memory deficit during MDMA intoxication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTR3691.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Haijen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M Farre
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - R de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, CEXS-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Pastor
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - E Olesti
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, CEXS-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Pizarro
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - K P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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17
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Depressive mood ratings are reduced by MDMA in female polydrug ecstasy users homozygous for the l-allele of the serotonin transporter. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1061. [PMID: 29348651 PMCID: PMC5773595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
MDMA exerts its main effects via the serotonergic system and the serotonin transporter. The gene coding for this transporter determines the expression rate of the transporter. Previously it was shown that healthy individuals with the short allelic variant ('s-group') of the 5-HTTLPR-polymorphism displayed more anxiety and negative mood, and had a lower transcriptional efficiency compared to individuals who are homozygous for the l-allele ('l-group'). The present study aimed to investigate the role of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in MDMA-induced mood effects. Four placebo-controlled, within-subject studies were pooled, including in total 63 polydrug ecstasy users (Ns-group = 48; Nl-group = 15) receiving MDMA 75 mg and placebo on two test days, separated by minimally 7 days. Mood was assessed by means of the Profile of Mood States. Findings showed that MDMA induced -independent of sex- a positive mood state, and as a side effect also increased two negative affect states, anxiety and confusion. Anxiety ratings were higher in the l-group and independent of treatment or sex. Depression ratings were lowered by MDMA in the female l-group. Findings indicate that the MDMA-induced reduction in self-rated depressive feelings is sex- and genotype-dependent, with females homozygous for the l-allele showing this beneficial effect.
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18
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Papaseit E, Torrens M, Pérez-Mañá C, Muga R, Farré M. Key interindividual determinants in MDMA pharmacodynamics. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:183-195. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1424832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Papaseit
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - M. Torrens
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
- Drug Addiction Program, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions-INAD, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C. Pérez-Mañá
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - R. Muga
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - M. Farré
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol-IGTP, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
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19
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Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) is being investigated in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The present study characterized the safety pharmacology of single-dose administrations of MDMA (75 or 125 mg) using data from nine double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies performed in the same laboratory in a total of 166 healthy subjects. The duration of the subjective effects was 4.2 ± 1.3 h (range: 1.4-8.2 h). The 125 mg dose of MDMA produced greater 'good drug effect' ratings than 75 mg. MDMA produced moderate and transient 'bad drug effect' ratings, which were greater in women than in men. MDMA increased systolic blood pressure to >160 mmHg, heart rate >100 beats/min, and body temperature >38°C in 33%, 29% and 19% of the subjects, respectively. These proportions of subjects with hypertension (>160 mmHg), tachycardia, and body temperature >38°C were all significantly greater after 125 mg MDMA compared with the 75 mg dose. Acute and subacute adverse effects of MDMA as assessed by the List of Complaints were dose-dependent and more frequent in females. MDMA did not affect liver or kidney function at EOS 29 ± 22 days after use. No serious adverse events occurred. In conclusion, MDMA produced predominantly acute positive subjective drug effects. Bad subjective drug effects and other adverse effects were significantly more common in women. MDMA administration was overall safe in physically and psychiatrically healthy subjects and in a medical setting. However, the risks of MDMA are likely higher in patients with cardiovascular disease and remain to be investigated in patients with psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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20
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Ashabi G, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Khalifeh S, Elhampour L, Zarrindast MR. NMDA receptor adjusted co-administration of ecstasy and cannabinoid receptor-1 agonist in the amygdala via stimulation of BDNF/Trk-B/CREB pathway in adult male rats. Brain Res Bull 2017; 130:221-230. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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21
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Lozano-Torres B, Pascual L, Bernardos A, Marcos MD, Jeppesen JO, Salinas Y, Martínez-Máñez R, Sancenón F. Pseudorotaxane capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) detection in water. Chem Commun (Camb) 2017; 53:3559-3562. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cc00186j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
MDMA, a principal ecstasy component, is detected by using pseudorotaxane-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Lozano-Torres
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Lluís Pascual
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Andrea Bernardos
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - María D. Marcos
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Jan O. Jeppesen
- Department of Physics
- Chemistry
- and Pharmacy
- University of Southern Denmark
- Odense M
| | - Yolanda Salinas
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry (ICP)
- Johannes Kepler University Linz
- 4040 Linz
- Austria
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Félix Sancenón
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
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22
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de Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, Mateus J, Theunissen EL, Kuypers K, de la Torre R, Farré M, Ramaekers JG. Neurocognitive performance following acute mephedrone administration, with and without alcohol. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:1305-1312. [PMID: 27562197 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116662635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recreational use of mephedrone, alone and in combination with alcohol, has increased over the past years. Pharmacological properties of mephedrone share similarities with methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but its effect on neurocognitive function has not been well established in humans. The present study assessed the effect of mephedrone alone and after co-administration with alcohol on neurocognitive function. It was hypothesised that mephedrone would improve psychomotor performance but impair memory performance, when administered alone. Neurocognitive performance was expected to be impaired following mephedrone when combined with alcohol. Eleven participants received single doses of 200 mg mephedrone or placebo combined with 0.8 g/kg alcohol or placebo. Neurocognitive performance was assessed at baseline (T0), at one hour (T1) and four hours after (T2) mephedrone administration, by means of the Divided Attention Task (DAT), Critical Tracking Task (CTT), and the Spatial Memory Test (SMT). Mephedrone intoxication impaired short-term spatial memory at T1 and improved critical tracking performance at T2 Mephedrone alone did not affect divided attention, but did show an interaction with alcohol on reaction time at T2 Reaction time decreased when mephedrone was combined with alcohol as compared to alcohol alone. Alcohol intoxication impaired both short- and long-term spatial memory at T1 and divided attention at T1 and T2 Critical tracking performance was not affected by alcohol intoxication. The current findings support the hypothesis that mephedrone improves psychomotor performance, impairs spatial memory and does not affect divided attention performance. Stimulatory effects of mephedrone were not sufficient to compensate for the impairing effects of alcohol on most performance parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Papaseit
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Clinical Pharmacology, Badalona, Spain
| | - C Pérez-Mañá
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Mateus
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E L Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kpc Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - R de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, CEXS-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Farré
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Clinical Pharmacology, Badalona, Spain
| | - J G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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23
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Kuypers KPC, Theunissen EL, van Wel JHP, de Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Linssen A, Sambeth A, Schultz BG, Ramaekers JG. Verbal Memory Impairment in Polydrug Ecstasy Users: A Clinical Perspective. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149438. [PMID: 26907605 PMCID: PMC4764468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ecstasy use has been associated with short-term and long-term memory deficits on a standard Word Learning Task (WLT). The clinical relevance of this has been debated and is currently unknown. The present study aimed at evaluating the clinical relevance of verbal memory impairment in Ecstasy users. To that end, clinical memory impairment was defined as decrement in memory performance that exceeded the cut-off value of 1.5 times the standard deviation of the average score in the healthy control sample. The primary question was whether being an Ecstasy user (E-user) was predictive of having clinically deficient memory performance compared to a healthy control group. METHODS WLT data were pooled from four experimental MDMA studies that compared memory performance during placebo and MDMA intoxication. Control data were taken from healthy volunteers with no drug use history who completed the WLT as part of a placebo-controlled clinical trial. This resulted in a sample size of 65 E-users and 65 age- and gender-matched healthy drug-naïve controls. All participants were recruited by similar means and were tested at the same testing facilities using identical standard operating procedures. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, Bayes factor, and logistic regressions. RESULTS Findings were that verbal memory performance of placebo-treated E-users did not differ from that of controls, and there was substantial evidence in favor of the null hypothesis. History of use was not predictive of memory impairment. During MDMA intoxication of E-users, verbal memory was impaired. CONCLUSION The combination of the acute and long-term findings demonstrates that, while clinically relevant memory impairment is present during intoxication, it is absent during abstinence. This suggests that use of Ecstasy/MDMA does not lead to clinically deficient memory performance in the long term. Additionally, it has to be investigated whether the current findings apply to more complex cognitive measures in diverse 'user categories' using a combination of genetics, imaging techniques and neuropsychological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim P. C. Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eef L. Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Janelle H. P. van Wel
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anke Linssen
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Sambeth
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin G. Schultz
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G. Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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24
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Unipolar depression is the third highest contributor to the global burden of disease, yet current pharmacotherapies typically take about 6 weeks to have an effect. A rapid-onset agent is an attractive prospect, not only to alleviate symptoms before first-line antidepressants display therapeutic action, but as a further treatment option in nonresponsive cases. It has been suggested that 3,4-methylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) could play a part in the treatment of depression, either as a rapid-onset pharmacological agent or as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Whilst these hypotheses are in keeping with the monoamine theory of depression and the principles surrounding psychotherapy, explicit experimental evidence of an antidepressant effect of MDMA has rarely been established. AIMS To address the hypothesis surrounding MDMA as a rapid-onset antidepressant by examining pharmacological, psychological and behavioural studies. We consider whether this therapy could be safe by looking at the translation of neurotoxicity data from animals to humans. METHOD A literature review of the evidence supporting this hypothesis was performed. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacology of MDMA offers a promising target as a rapid-onset agent and MDMA is currently being investigated for use in psychotherapy in anxiety disorders; translation from these studies for use in depression may be possible. However, experimental evidence and safety analysis are insufficient to confirm or reject this theory at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Patel
- Green Templeton College, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HG, UK
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