Download Chemical Effects of Ecstasy on the Human Brain

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Running head: CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ECSTASY
Chemical Effects of Ecstasy
On the Human Brain
Destinee Grimmett
Salt Lake Community College
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CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ECSTASY
Abstract
Though Ecstasy was originally created for medical use, it is now an extremely
popular recreational drug used by many in the United States and other parts of the
world. Ecstasy is a psycho stimulant drug that affects the specific neurotransmitter
serotonin. Ecstasy is often referred to as MDMA and is classified as an agonistic
drug, meaning when it enters the human brain, it imitates serotonin, and causes the
neuron to release excessive amounts of serotonin. Ecstasy affects different parts of
the brain, specifically the Neocortex, and major structures in the Limbic System.
Psychological effects of the drug include depression, confusion, insomnia, paranoia,
and anxiety. There have been studies conducted comparing ecstasy users and nonusers in an attempt to collect data concerning the long-term effects of the drug, and
though these experiments are difficult to conduct in a completely accurate form due
to a large number of extraneous variables, there is evidence that have shown users
having less cognitive, and memory function than non-users.
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CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ECSTASY
Chemical Effects of Ecstasy on the Human Brain
Ecstasy was synthesized and patented for the first time by a German
Pharmaceutical company named Merck in the year 1914. It was originally created as
an appetite suppressant. In the 1970’s it was being administer to patients receiving
psychotherapy with the intent to help them discuss their feelings and issues freely.
It was discovered in 1986 through animal studies that Ecstasy causes brain damage
and made illegal in 1988. Ecstasy is an addictive drug that directly affects the
neurotransmitter called serotonin by temporarily replacing it. On-going research is
being conducted to obtain more knowledge and factual proof that Ecstasy has
adverse long-term or permanent effects on the human body.
Ecstasy is classified as an agonist drug because it imitates the neurotransmitter
serotonin. When the drug enters the system, brain cells take in the foreign medication
instead of the neurotransmitter the body naturally produces, and blocks the serotonin
from reuptake. This leaves excess amounts of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, causing the
user to become overcome with euphoria. Though this may seem like a positive effect,
over time the brain can no longer identify the natural serotonin and therefore needs
Ecstasy in order to balance a person’s mood. Ecstasy causes serotonin neurons to release
high amounts of serotonin, which are stored in the axon terminals. It has been proven that
Ecstasy causes damage to these axon terminals. By looking at slices of MDMA exposed
animal’s brains, and performing a process called immunocytochemistry scientists are able
to analyze the specific damage done to nerve cells. Fragmentation and swelling was
visible on serotogenic axons shortly after the cell was exposed to MDMA. This suggests
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CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ECSTASY
significant deficiencies in a brain’s ability to function properly when axon terminals that
are imperative to neuron communication are damaged. (Baggott & Mendelson, 2001;
Sferios, 2002).
Many experiments have been conducted in an attempt to analyze the longterm effects and possible permanent damage of Ecstasy or MDMA. These
experiments have been somewhat successful however; it is difficult to control an
experiment using human beings. When testing humans it is uncertain whether or
not they recorded the amount of their use correctly, the dosages they were exposed
to, and there is no guarantee that Ecstasy was the only drug influencing the changes
appearing in their brain. Dr. George Recaurte, a professor at Johns Hopkins
University, took and evaluated brain scans of users who had previously done ecstasy
an average of 200 times in a five year time period. When comparing users and nonusers through behavioral testing there appears to be no difference. However, the
brain scans suggested that users’ suffered from a significant amount of brain
damage. Also, there was a direct correlation between frequency and severity of
damage. Less frequent users had minimal damage compared to more frequent users.
Testing also suggests users have less memory capacity than non-users. Ricaurte
noticed extensive damage to cells that release the neurotransmitter serotonin,
which could explain the affect on users’ cognitive abilities such as learning and
remembering. It is uncertain if the damage Ricaurte discovered is permanent or
temporary. Whether the cells are capable of repairing themselves or not has not yet
been concluded. (Chudler, 2012).
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CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ECSTASY
MDMA or Ecstasy causes both physical effects and psychological affects when
it is introduced to a human body. The drug has shown alterations to specific areas
of the brain such as the Neocortex. This explains effects that deal with cognitive
functions, memory, and altered perceptions. Parts of the Limbic System such as the
Amygdala, Hippocampus, Hypothalamus, and Basil Ganglia explain side effects
relative to mood, emotions, and level of anxiety. Physical effects can be identified by,
but not limited to sweating, blurred vision, muscle tension, and involuntary teeth
clenching. Psychological affects often include paranoia, confusion, depression,
anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Once the drug enters the system it takes
approximately 30-40 minutes to begin taking effect, but can last from three to five
hours. Ecstasy is taken by a variety of users but is predominately associated with
raves, or all-night dance parties, and are most frequently used by teenagers. Over
dosing on Ecstasy can cause death, serious injuries, or a coma as a result of
heatstroke. Though Ecstasy is not even relatively close to being the most abused
illegal drug in the United States, there is on average 5,500 emergency room visits
per year due to the use of MDMA. (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, 2003).
Ecstasy or MDMA is an agonist, addictive substance that directly affects the
brain, specifically serotonin neurons. Though using has been proven to cause brain
damage, the euphoric high is extremely appealing to users. Research is still being
conducted to determine whether the damage is permanent or temporary.
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CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ECSTASY
References
Baggott, M., & Mendelson, J. (2001). Does MDMA Cause Brain Damage? . (J. Holland,
Ed.) Ecstasy: The Complete Guide, 1-3, 14-16.
Chudler, E. H. (2012, February 2). Explore: MDMA (Ecstasy). Retrieved February 7,
2012, from Neuroscience for Kids:
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/mdma.html
Sferios, E. (2002, March 5). Stimulants: Ecstasy. Retrieved February 4, 2012, from
DanceSafe: http://dancesafe.org/drug-information/ecstasy-slideshow
US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2003, April 18).
Ecstacy: Statistics. Retrieved February 4, 2012, from The DEA:
http://thedea.org/statistics.html