Posted by stjames on April 21, 2003, at 11:22:33
In reply to Re: MDMA-induced brain damage, posted by stjames on April 21, 2003, at 10:48:30
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/mdma/mdma_faq.shtml
Health Risks
Although some research has assessed toxic and lethal doses in animals, little is known about MDMA's potential toxicity for humans. A few deaths have been associated with the use of MDMA, but its role as a causative factor in each case remains uncertain. As of April, 1986 20 emergency room incidents for MDMA had been listed in the federal government's Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). Ignorance of the substance undoubtedly contributes to underreporting. However, the number of mentions still appears to be rather low when compared with the suspected extent of use described by Siegel and the DEA.
MDMA has been associated with relatively few overdoses or deaths. However, it's neurotoxic potential is cause for concern. Acute and chronic problems are most often associated with the repeated use of high dosages. Generally, the side effects of MDMA are similar to those of amphetamine. MDMA also appears to exert an adverse action on the immunological response of some individuals, particularly with heavy use. Long-term users often describe increasingly uncomfortable and prolonged "burn-out" periods, sometimes lasting two or more days. Many individuals have also reported an increased susceptibility to various ailments, particularly sore throats, colds, flus, and herpes outbreaks. It should be noted that these reactions appear to be rare in novice users and individuals in good physical and mental health.
Based on the limited information available, researchers have identified the following medical conditions as possible contraindications to MDMA use: diabetes, diminished liver function, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism and pregnancy.
Infrequent psychological problems have been associated with the use of MDMA. Rare episodes of hyperventilation have been noted, but this phase is transitory. In addition, problems occur for some individuals who, in attempts at self-therapy, run the risk of exacerbating their emotional problems with unsupervised episodes.
Among individuals who have tried both MDMA and cocaine, Beck found that the majority usually express a strong preference for MDMA which would suggest a high abuse potential. However, in sharp contrast to cocaine, there appear to be relatively few cases of what might be considered serious abuse of MDMA.
Excessive use is probably self limiting in that frequent use of MDMA always produces a strong dysphoric (unpleasant) reaction, that is only increased with continued use. In addition, frequent use produces an almost total loss of the desired actions with a greater rapidity and intensity than with other more commonly abused substances.
Conclusion
Media accounts and substance abuse professionals often dismiss MDMA as a short-term fad. However, the perceived therapeutic and/or euphoric effects combined with the ease with which MDMA is usually experienced can be expected to attract new users. The danger in this regard is the uncertain potential for abuse. In addition, there are potentially severe health risks associated with MDMA and probable contraindications. This is particularly true with repeated use of high dosages which may lead to acute or chronic medical and psychological problems. Unfortunately, our current knowledge regarding nearly every aspect of MDMA is extremely limited and based almost exclusively on anecdotal data. Research is obviously needed to better determine the potential risks of a substance which is rapidly establishing itself in our drug culture.
poster:stjames
thread:220662
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030417/msgs/221140.html