Psychopathological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), psilocybin and d-methamphetamine in healthy volunteers - Results of an experimental double blind placebo controlled study

The aim of this study was to contribute to the characterization of the enta ctogen (ecstasy) substance group. The psychopathological, neuroendocrine an d autonomic effects of common recreational doses of the entactogen 3,4-meth ylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), the hallucinogen psilocybin, the stimulan t d-methamphetamine and placebo were investigated in a double-blind study w ith healthy volunteers (n = 32). Psychological effects of the drugs were as sessed by means of standardized rating scales, self assessment inventories and free descriptions. The most characteristic effects of MDE were pleasant emotional experiences of relaxation, peacefulness, content and closeness t o others. However, significant stimulant and hallucinogen-like effects were also present, although the latter were weaker than the effects of psilocyb in. MDE elicited the strongest endocrine and autonomic effects among the th ree drugs, including robust rises of serum cortisol and prolactin, elevatio ns of blood pressure and heart rate, and a moderate, but significant rise o f body temperature. The apparent contrast between psychological and autonom ic effects (subjective relaxation versus physical activation) was a unique feature of the MDE state. Our findings are in line with both users' reports and results from previous experimental studies, and support the view that entactogens constitute a distinct psychoactive substance class taking an in termediate position between hallucinogens and stimulants.