"Ecstasy": a pharmacological review

A literature review on 3.4 methylenedioxymethanphetaneine (MDMA), known as ecstasy, a drug with increased use among youngsters is presented. The histo ry from its synthesis, trp to its use as an adjunct to psychotherapy and, m ore recently, as a drug of abuse, is described. The possible pattern of abu se in several countries is reviewed with the objective of predicting what m ight happen in Brazil, where some reports of abuse have already appeared. T he pharmacokinetics of MDMA is also reviewed to explain the consequences fo r pharmacological activity, toxicology and adverse effects. The clinical ou tcome of both short and middle-term intoxication is summarized and the clin ical symptoms of severe intoxication with ecstasy, are described. The studi es undertaken on its mechanism of action are detailed to explain its toxic psychiatric and physical side effects, to explain the mechanism of self-adm inistration of the drug and to propose a therapeutic possibility of treatin g intoxication.