Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens
Nichols, D. E.
This seminal paper (1986) introduces the classification 'entactogens' for MDMA and compounds with similar psychopharmacological action.
Abstract
From the introduction: Nearly 70 years after its first synthesis, 3.4 -methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was rediscovered. Although it had its more recent origin in the class of drugs that is generally defined as psychedelic or hallucinogenic, it clearly appears different from LSD. In humans. MDMA induces a state of reduced anxiety and lowered defensiveness that makes it attractive to therapists wishing to speed up the therapeutic process. However, as with all substances that produce pleasurable effects, it soon became popular as a recreational drug, and it went the same way as the psychedelics: into Schedule I.