Psychopathological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), psilocybin and d-methamphetamine in healthy volunteers: results of an experimental double-blind placebo-controlled study
This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-subjects study (n=32) investigated the effects of MDE (140mg/70kg), psilocybin (14mg/70kg), and methamphetamine (14mg/70kg) on the mental state and the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system of healthy participants. The entactogen MDE took an intermediate position between the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen psilocybin and elicited highly characteristic emotional effects, that were qualitatively different from the effects of the other two drugs, which supports the hypothesis that entactogens constitute a distinct psychoactive substance class.
Authors
- Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, E.
- Thelen, B.
- Habermeyer, E.
Published
Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to contribute to the characterization of the entactogen (ecstasy) substance group.
Methods
The psychopathological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of common recreational doses of the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), the hallucinogen psilocybin, the stimulant d-methamphetamine and placebo were investigated in a double-blind study with healthy volunteers (n = 32). Psychological effects of the drugs were assessed by means of standardized rating scales, self assessment inventories and free descriptions.
Results
The most characteristic effects of MDE were pleasant emotional experiences of relaxation, peacefulness, content and closeness to others. However, significant stimulant and hallucinogen-like effects were also present, although the latter were weaker than the effects of psilocybin. MDE elicited the strongest endocrine and autonomic effects among the three drugs, including robust rises of serum cortisol and prolactin, elevations of blood pressure and heart rate, and a moderate, but significant rise of body temperature.
Discussion
The apparent contrast between psychological and autonomic effects (subjective relaxation versus physical activation) was a unique feature of the MDE state. Our findings are in line with both users' reports and results from previous experimental studies, and support the view that entactogens constitute a distinct psychoactive substance class taking an intermediate position between hallucinogens and stimulants.
Research Summary of 'Psychopathological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), psilocybin and d-methamphetamine in healthy volunteers: results of an experimental double-blind placebo-controlled study'
Introduction
Gouzoulis-Mayfrank and colleagues situate their study within debates about how to classify the methylenedioxyamphetamines (the ‘‘ecstasy’’ family). These compounds share structural features with both stimulant amphetamines and hallucinogenic phenethylamines, and prior reports describe a mix of pleasant, empathogenic effects together with occasional anxiety, confusion and perceptual disturbances. Neuropharmacologically, MDMA-like drugs show strong serotonergic effects in addition to some noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity, leading some investigators to propose a distinct psychoactive category—entactogens—positioned between classic stimulants and hallucinogens. The authors note that experimental human data on acute effects remain limited and that comparing entactogens with prototypical hallucinogens and stimulants under blinded conditions could clarify their phenomenology and physiological signatures. This paper reports an experimental double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation that compares the acute psychological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), the hallucinogen psilocybin, the stimulant d-methamphetamine and placebo in healthy volunteers. The aim was to characterise and contrast subjective experience, hormonal responses and autonomic activation across these drug classes to test whether entactogens show a distinct profile intermediate between stimulants and hallucinogens.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Compounds
- Topics
- APA Citation
Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, E., Thelen, B., Habermeyer, E., Kunert, H. J., Kovar, K., Lindenblatt, H., Hermle, L., Spitzer, M., & Sass, H. (1999). Psychopathological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), psilocybin and d-methamphetamine in healthy volunteers: results of an experimental double-blind placebo-controlled study. Psychopharmacology, 142(1), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050860
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