MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a Class A substance that is usually found in a tableted form. It is only observed in one orthorhombic polymorph under ambient conditions. It shows slight positional disorder around the methlyenedioxy ring which persists during compression up to 6.66 GPa. The crystal quality deteriorates above 6.66 GPa where the hydrostatic limit of the pressure-transm...

A novel method for the rapid screening of clandestine tablets for drugs by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is described. In this method, cetrimonium bromide (CTAB), a surfactant, is added to the conventional alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) matrix solution used in preparing the MALDI samples. This procedure allows very clean mass spectra to be collected for amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,...

INTRODUCTION "Molly" is a street name for pure 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an amphetamine derivative which acts by enhancing the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This produces euphoria, increased sensory awareness and central stimulation that make it a popular club drug. Nevertheless, it is also associated with serious side effects. We report a...

Seizure-related emergencies caused by stimulants of abuse have been increasing. To better understand the nature of these drug-induced convulsions, we characterized the seizure patterns associated with high doses of cocaine, and the amphetamine analogs, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 4-methylaminorex. The features of the stimulant-induced seizures were distinct and inc...