Background 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) tablets are frequently contaminated by 4-MTA (‘flatliner’), an amphetamine derivative which is known to induce severe human intoxication and even death. Although an equipotent inducer of SERT-dependent 5-HT release in vivo, 4-MTA does not induce MDMAlike serotoninergic neurotoxicity in rats. Instead, 4-MTA users typically report u...

A recent traffic fatality has been attributed to the use of the drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The deceased was a 29-year-old white male with no known history of drug abuse. Toxicological analysis detected MDMA and metabolite methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) in the blood, urine, and vitreous humor specimens submitted for analysis. The concentrations of MDMA in clotted blood, sodium f...

Recent innovations in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research have identified new treatments with significant potential, as well as novel enhancements to empirically-validated treatments. This paper reviews emerging psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions for the treatment of PTSD. It examines the evidence for a range of interventions, from social and family-based treatments to ...

In several countries, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is currently the most abundant psychoactive recreational drug. MDMA induces numerous neuropsychiatric behaviors, serotonergic neuron degeneration, programmed death of cultured cells, hyperthermia and occasional fatality. Using gene expression analysis in MDMA-treated mice, we identified changes in gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) tra...

The use of the street drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly referred to as ecstasy, has become increasingly prevalent amongst teenagers and young adults in the United States and many other parts of the world. While most anesthesiologists are facile with the intricacies of managing patients intoxicated by alcohol, cocaine and narcotics the new "club" drugs present a challenge, espe...

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) is a common recreational drug used at rave parties. Unfortunately, MDMA may have neurological effects and in some cases causes hepatotoxicity. MDMA binds to cytochrome P450 in rat and human hepatic microsomal preparations. Upon metabolic transformation of either the methylenedioxy or the methylamino function, it forms an inhibitory P450-metabolite...

BACKGROUND Caffeinated energy drinks are widely used worldwide. They are associated with a variety of adverse effects and are of concern to health authorities, yet there is still scarce information about their adverse effects and inadequate awareness among medical personnel. METHODS Case description and discussion of a patient presenting to the emergency room after overdose of energy drinks i...