Ethanol co-administration moderates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine effects on human physiology

Abstract

Alcohol is frequently used in combination with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Both drugs affect cardiovascular function, hydration and temperature regulation, but may have partly opposing effects. The present study aims to assess the acute physiologic effects of (co-) administration of MDMA and ethanol over time. A four-way, double blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study in 16 healthy volunteers (9 male and 7 female) between the ages of 18 and 29. MDMA (100 mg) was given orally and blood ethanol concentration was maintained at pseudo-steady state levels of 0.6 per thousand by a three-hour 10% intravenous ethanol clamp. Cardiovascular function, temperature and hydration measures were recorded throughout the study days. Ethanol did not significantly affect physiologic function, with the exception of a short lasting increase in heart rate. MDMA potently increased heart rate and blood pressure and induced fluid retention as well as an increase in temperature. Co-administration of ethanol with MDMA did not affect cardiovascular function compared to the MDMA alone condition, but attenuated the effects of MDMA on fluid retention and showed a trend for attenuation of MDMA-induced temperature increase. In conclusion, co-administration of ethanol and MDMA did not exacerbate physiologic effects compared to all other drug conditions, and moderated some effects of MDMA alone.

Cannabis Coadministration Potentiates the Effects of “Ecstasy” on Heart Rate and Temperature in Humans

“…MDMA also affects temperature regulation, generally increasing body temperature. 15 These findings in humans corroborate previous findings in animals. 8,9 Although MDMA-induced temperature increase has received abundant attention in the literature, the mechanism is as yet unclear.…”

“…[10][11][12][13][14] In a previous report we suggested that the increases in cardiovascular measures and temperature after MDMA administration are mediated by increases in the blood concentrations of both norepinephrine and epinephrine. 15 These findings in humans corroborate previous findings in animals. [16][17][18] Case reports of severe, sometimes fatal, physiologic disturbances after MDMA use, often exacerbated by unfavorable behavior such as vigorous dancing and/or circumstances such as high ambient temperatures, illustrate the relevance of these side effects of MDMA use.…”

“…4,24,26,29 The increase in the plasma concentrations of both norepinephrine and epinephrine after MDMA administration relative to placebo have been described previously. 15 As norepinephrine is an important mediator of the cardiovascular response to MDMA, it is remarkable that heart rate showed a rapid additive increase after coadministration of THC and MDMA, relative to single-drug effects, but caused a delayed norepinephrine elevation. Similarly, THCalone administration did not affect norepinephrine concentrations but robustly increased heart rate.…”

Acute effects of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) on EEG oscillations: alone and in combination with ethanol or THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)

“…In addition to the EEG data, subjective, neuropsychological and physiological data were acquired, which have already partially been published (Dumont et al 2008, 2009a, b, 2010a, b, c). …”

Polydrug Use in Adolescence

“…Physiological and behavioural studies in humans and rodents have demonstrated an interaction between these two drugs (Mohamed et al, 2009). In humans, ethanol enhances and prolongs the euphoria and feelings of well-being induced by MDMA (Hernández-López et al, 2002), but moderates some of its physiological effects, such as fluid retention and hyperthermia (Dumont et al, 2010). In addition, animal models have demonstrated that the hyperpyretic effect of MDMA is modulated by Ethanol according to the moment of ethanol administration and ambient temperature (Cassel et al, 2004(Cassel et al, , 2005.…”