Ecstasy: Neurotoxicity and How It Can Be Reduced

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Molly Flannagan

Ecstasy (MDMA) has become a drug of choice among 18-25 year olds (2), and its effects on behavior and neurotoxicity merit the attention of this class. Ecstasy use has become fairly widespread on college campuses and in rave and nightclub settings. This paper will look at the mechanism through which MDMA acts, its neurotoxicity, and how users can reduce risk involved with ecstasy use.

How does ecstasy work?

Ecstasy alters behavior by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It accomplishes this by altering the neurotransmitter serotonin's reuptake process. (6) In the normal serotonin system, a serotonin neuron will receive a signal from a neighboring nerve cell to release vesicles of serotonin into the synaptic cleft. The post-synaptic cell (which has the appropriate receptors for serotonin) then picks up the molecule. When the serotonin binds to the receptor, it causes an electric signal to change the membrane permeability which causes changes in the body. When a vesicle of serotonin is released, most of the molecules are pulled back into the pre-synaptic cell. This process of drawing serotonin back into the original neuron for it to be reused is called reuptake. When MDMA is present in the system, however, it interferes with the natural process by preventing the serotonin from entering at the reuptake site. This causes an excess of serotonin in the system, which creates the feelings of euphoria associated with MDMA. (1)

Just how neurotoxic is ecstasy?

Users of MDMA are quick to praise the psychological effects of the drug, but the effects on their physical health can be detrimental. Studies show that heavy, prolonged use of MDMA can significantly reduce the number of serotonin transporters which are necessary to bring the neurotransmitter back to the neuron from which it was released. Studies supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) showed that MDMA damages neurons that release serotonin, and that heavy MDMA users have lingering memory problems for at least two weeks after stopping the drug. In the first study, researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) to compare the brains of MDMA users who had abstained from all psychoactive drugs for three weeks and people who had never used MDMA. They found that the amount of MDMA used was directly linked to the number of serotonin transporters remaining. They also found that the degree of memory impairment is based on the amount of MDMA used. (3)

How can the neurotoxic effects of ecstasy be reduced?

Pre- and Post-loading can be used to lessen the harmful effects of MDMA. Pre-loading is taking supplements before rolling to help counteract the neurotoxic effects of ecstasy. A common pre- load consists of 200mg of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), up to 100mg of Vitamin B-6, up to 1000mg of Vitamin C, and 100mg of Magnesium. (3) Adding more serotonin to the system can counteract the mechanism through which MDMA damages nerve cells. 5-HTP is the direct precursor to serotonin, and can therefore combat the neurotoxicity of MDMA. Vitamin B-6 helps to convert 5-HTP into serotonin, thereby boosting its effect. Because MDMA is thought to be neurotoxic due to oxidized free radicals, the consumption of the anti-oxidant Vitamin C can also reduce the harmful effects of MDMA. Magnesium is used as a muscle relaxer to minimize involuntary jaw-clenching associated with ecstasy use. A post-load consists of the same supplements except that magnesium is unnecessary. (4) It is also beneficial to drink water during and after the use of ecstasy.

How does it all fit together?

Ecstasy has been proven to be neurotoxic when heavy doses are used frequently. However, it also appears that a moderate use of the drug, combined with harm-minimizing supplements can help to counter the negative effects associated with it. Ecstasy has become one of the most popular drugs among college-age students, and its popularity shows no sign of decreasing. As a result, it is critical for users to be informed of the risks involved and how they can reduce these risks.

WWW Sources

1) Ecstasy.org

2) National Institute on Drug Abuse

3) NIDA-supported Research

4) Forum on Ecstasy

5) Rave Safe

6) Cannabis News

Comments made prior to 2007

After reading the article Ecstasy: Neurotoxicity and How It Can Be Reduced by Molly Flannagan I have one question. Is it suggested that a person using ecstasy take a pre-load as well as a post-load or is it suggesting to take supplements either before or after and not both times? If you did take supplements before AND after ecstasy use would you be overloading your system with vitamins? Would this be dangerous? ... Melody, 24 May 2006

"Ecstasy: Neurotoxicity and How It Can Be Reduced | Serendip's Exchange." 2 Sep. 2008 .