Psychological and Physiological Effects of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) after Pretreatment with the 5-HT2 Antagonist Ketanserin in Healthy Humans
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "Ecstasy") mainly releases serotonin and dopamine. In animals, pretreatment with 5-HT(2) antagonists has been shown to attenuate neurochemical and behavioral effects of MDMA. In humans, the role of 5-HT(2) receptors in the action of MDMA has not been studied. We investigated the effect of pretreatment with the 5-HT(2A/C) antagonist ketanserin (50 mg p.o.) on subjective responses to MDMA (1.5 mg/kg p.o.) in 14 healthy volunteers using a double-blind placebo-controlled within-subject design. Subjective effects were rated by psychometric rating scales. Physiological effects measured were blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Adverse effects were assessed during the sessions, and after one and three days. Ketanserin attenuated MDMA-induced perceptual changes, emotional excitation, and acute adverse responses but had little effect on MDMA-induced positive mood, well-being, extroversion, and short-term sequelae. Body temperature was lower under MDMA plus ketanserin compared to MDMA alone. The results suggest a contributing role for 5-HT(2) receptors in the action of MDMA in humans.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Only about 20% of recreational MDMA users report experiencing any visual hallucinations, and these are relatively mild compared to those induced by psilocybin and LSD.
“only about 20% of recreational MDMA users report experiencing any visual hallucinations, and these are relatively mild compared to those induced by psilocybin and LSD”
From Psychedelics and Other Psychoplastogens for Treating Mental Illness. (2021) · cites this paper as [239]
Earlier controlled lab work suggests MDMA raises self-reported states tied to empathy and social ease, but findings are mixed.
“These studies indicate that MDMA increases feelings related to empathy and sociability, including self-rated friendliness [7–8], extroversion [9–10], closeness to others [11], sociability [7, 12], talkativeness [7–8], amicability, and gregariousness [13], although some of these effects are inconsistent [14–16].”
From Is Ecstasy an “Empathogen”? Effects of +/- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Prosocial Feelings and Identification of Emotional States in Others (2010) · cites this paper as [10]
Cites
STAI manual for the State-trait anxiety inventory
Cd, S. (1970) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 2,433 · see citing works
Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action
Vollenweider, F. X., Vollenweider-Scherpenhuyzen, M. F. I., Bäbler, A., Vogel, H., & Hell, D. (1998) · NeuroReport · doi:10.1097/00001756-199812010-00024 · Cited by 1,018 · see citing works
Receptor binding profile of R 41 468, A novel antagonist at 5-HT2 receptors
Leysen, J. E., Awouters, F. H. L., Kennis, L. E. J., Laduron, P. M., Vandenberk, J., & Janssen, P. A. J. (1981) · Life Sciences · doi:10.1016/0024-3205(81)90747-5 · Cited by 843 · see citing works
Relationship between subjective effects of cocaine and dopamine transporter occupancy
Volkow, N. D., Wang, G., Fischman, M. W., Foltin, R. W., Fowler, J. S., Abumrad, N. N., Vitkun, S. A., Logan, J., Gatley, S. J., Pappas, N. R., et al. (1997) · Nature · doi:10.1038/386827a0 · Cited by 646 · see citing works
Evidence for 5-HT2 involvement in the mechanism of action of hallucinogenic agents
Glennon, R. A., Titeler, M., & MCKENNEY, J. D. J. (1984) · Life Sciences · doi:10.1016/0024-3205(84)90436-3 · Cited by 635 · see citing works
The Standardized Psychometric Assessment of Altered States of Consciousness (ASCs) in Humans
Dittrich, A. (1998) · Pharmacopsychiatry · doi:10.1055/s-2007-979351 · Cited by 577 · see citing works
Rudnick, G., & Wall, S. C. (1992) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.89.5.1817 · Cited by 535 · see citing works
Vollenweider, F. X., Gamma, A., Liechti, M., & Huber, T. (1998) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1016/s0893-133x(98)00013-x · Cited by 448 · see citing works
Self-citationMas, M., Farré, M., de la Torre, R., Roset, P. N., Segura, J. O., & Camí, J. (1999) · The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · doi:10.1016/s0022-3565(24)34877-3 · Cited by 362 · see citing works
Titeler, M., Lyon, R. A., & Glennon, R. A. (1988) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/bf00176847 · Cited by 343 · see citing works
SPECT imaging of striatal dopamine release after amphetamine challenge.
Laruelle, M. A., Abi‐Dargham, A., van Dyck, C. H., Rosenblatt, W., Zea‐Ponce, Y., Zoghbi, S. S., Baldwin, R. M., Charney, D. S., Hoffer, P. B., & Kung, H. F. (1995) · PubMed · Cited by 333 · see citing works
(1988) · PubMed · Cited by 313 · see citing works
Pharmacologic profile of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) at various brain recognition sites
Battaglia, G., Brooks, B. P., Kulsakdinun, C., & Souza, E. B. D. (1988) · European Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/0014-2999(88)90056-8 · Cited by 301 · see citing works
Schmidt, C. J., Levin, J. A., & Lovenberg, W. M. (1987) · Biochemical Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/0006-2952(87)90729-5 · Cited by 297 · see citing works
Liechti, M. (2000) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1016/s0893-133x(99)00148-7 · Cited by 248 · see citing works
Self-citationThe acute effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine on dopamine release in the awake-behaving rat
Yamamoto, B. K., & Spanos, L. J. (1988) · European Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/0014-2999(88)90564-x · Cited by 217 · see citing works
Nash, J. F., Meltzer, H., & Gudelsky, G. A. (1988) · Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · doi:10.1016/s0022-3565(25)24086-1 · Cited by 179 · see citing works
Schmidt, C. J., Fadayel, G. M., Sullivan, C. K., & Taylor, V. L. (1992) · European Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/0014-2999(92)90819-p · Cited by 162 · see citing works
Sanders‐Bush, E., Burris, K. D., & Knoth, K. M. (1988) · Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · doi:10.1016/s0022-3565(25)22189-9 · Cited by 155 · see citing works
Schlaepfer, T. E., Pearlson, G. D., Wong, D. F., Marenco, S., & Dannals, R. F. (1997) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/ajp.154.9.1209 · Cited by 148 · see citing works
Liechti, M. E., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2000) · European Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1016/s0924-977x(00)00086-9 · Cited by 145 · see citing works
Self-citationDo classical hallucinogens act as 5-HT2 agonists or antagonists?
Glennon, R. A. (1991) · PubMed · Cited by 136 · see citing works
Schmidt, C. J., Sullivan, C. K., & Fedayal, G. M. (1994) · Journal of Neurochemistry · doi:10.1046/j.1471-4159.1994.62041382.x · Cited by 132 · see citing works
Schmidt, C. J., Black, C. K., Abbate, G. M., & Taylor, V. L. (1990) · Brain Research · doi:10.1016/0006-8993(90)90813-q · Cited by 131 · see citing works
Padich, R. A., McCloskey, T. C., & Kehne, J. H. (1996) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/bf02245610 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Nash, J. F. (1990) · Life Sciences · doi:10.1016/0024-3205(90)90484-9 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Attenuation of the Euphoric Effects of Cocaine by the Dopamine D1/D5 Antagonist Ecopipam (SCH 39166)
Romach, M. K., Glue, P., Kampman, K. M., Kaplan, H. L., Somer, G. R., Poole, S. A., Clarke, L., Coffin, V. L., Cornish, J., O’Brien, C. P., et al. (1999) · Archives of General Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/archpsyc.56.12.1101 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Effects of intravenous cocaine are partially attenuated by haloperidol
Sherer, M. A., Kumor, K. M., & Jaffe, J. H. (1989) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/0165-1781(89)90127-3 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Neurotoxicity of MDMA: Neurochemical Effects
SCHMID, C. J., & Kehne, J. H. (1990) · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1990.tb16917.x · Cited by 84 · see citing works
Vollenweider, F. X., Maguire, R. P., Leenders, K. L., Mathys, K., & Angst, J. (1998) · Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging · doi:10.1016/s0925-4927(98)00033-x · Cited by 83 · see citing works
Brogden, R. N., & Sorkin, E. M. (1990) · Drugs · doi:10.2165/00003495-199040060-00010 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Nürnberger, J. I., Simmons-Alling, S., Kessler, L. R., Jimerson, S. S., Schreiber, J. G., Hollander, E., Tamminga, C. A., Nadi, N. S., Goldstein, D. S., & Gershon, E. S. (1984) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/bf00427446 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Vollenweider, F. X., Gamma, A., Liechti, M. E., & Huber, T. (1999) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1016/s0893-133x(99)00032-9 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Self-citationLIEBERMAN, J., & Aghajanian, G. K. (1999) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1016/s0893-133x(99)00071-8 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
The Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”)
Green, A. R., Mechan, A. O., Elliott, J. M., O’Shea, E., & Colado, M. I. (2003) · Pharmacological Reviews · doi:10.1124/pr.55.3.3 · Cited by 1,272 · see citing works
Pharmacological characterization of designer cathinonesin vitro
Simmler, L. D., Buser, T., Donzelli, M., Schramm, Y., Dieu, L., Huwyler, J., Chaboz, S., Hoener, M. C., & Liechti, M. E. (2012) · British Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02145.x · Cited by 673 · see citing works
Self-citationToxicity of amphetamines: an update
Carvalho, M. C., Carmo, H., Costa, V. M., Capela, J. P., Pontes, H., Remião, F., Carvalho, F. D., & Bastos, M. D. L. (2012) · Archives of Toxicology · doi:10.1007/s00204-012-0815-5 · Cited by 433 · see citing works
Acute Effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Subjects
Schmid, Y., Enzler, F., Gasser, P., Grouzmann, E., Preller, K. H., Vollenweider, F. X., Brenneisen, R., Müller, F., Borgwardt, S., & Liechti, M. E. (2014) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.11.015 · Cited by 409 · see citing works
Self-citationGender differences in the subjective effects of MDMA
Liechti, M. E., Gamma, A., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2001) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s002130000648 · Cited by 360 · see citing works
Self-citationThe role of serotonin in drug use and addiction
Müller, C. P., & Homberg, J. R. (2014) · Behavioural Brain Research · doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2014.04.007 · Cited by 332 · see citing works
A genetically encoded sensor for measuring serotonin dynamics
Wan, J., Peng, W., Li, X., Qian, T., Song, K., Zeng, J., Deng, F., Hao, S., Feng, J., Zhang, P., et al. (2021) · Nature Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/s41593-021-00823-7 · Cited by 293 · see citing works
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Ecstasy-Induced Neurotoxicity: An Overview
Capela, J. P., Carmo, H., Remião, F., Bastos, M. D. L., Meisel, A., & Carvalho, F. D. (2009) · Molecular Neurobiology · doi:10.1007/s12035-009-8064-1 · Cited by 285 · see citing works
Drugs as instruments: A new framework for non-addictive psychoactive drug use
Müller, C. P., & Schumann, G. (2011) · Behavioral and Brain Sciences · doi:10.1017/s0140525x11000057 · Cited by 286 · see citing works
Distinct acute effects of LSD, MDMA, and d-amphetamine in healthy subjects
Holze, F., Vizeli, P., Müller, F., Ley, L., Duerig, R., Varghese, N., Eckert, A., Borgwardt, S., & Liechti, M. E. (2020) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1038/s41386-019-0569-3 · Cited by 247 · see citing works
Self-citationBedi, G., Hyman, D., & de Wit, H. (2010) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.08.003 · Cited by 247 · see citing works
Liechti, M. E., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2001) · Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental · doi:10.1002/hup.348 · Cited by 236 · see citing works
Self-citationEffects of MDMA on sociability and neural response to social threat and social reward
Bedi, G., Phan, K. L., Angstadt, M., & de Wit, H. (2009) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-009-1635-z · Cited by 206 · see citing works
Clinical applications of hallucinogens: a review
Garcia-Romeu, A., Kersgaard, B., & Addy, P. H. (2016) · Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1037/pha0000084 · Cited by 201 · see citing works
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) neurotoxicity: cellular and molecular mechanisms
Lyles, J., & Cadet, J. L. (2003) · Brain Research Reviews · doi:10.1016/s0165-0173(03)00173-5 · Cited by 199 · see citing works
Rickli, A., Hoener, M. C., & Liechti, M. E. (2015) · European Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.12.012 · Cited by 195 · see citing works
Self-citationBreeksema, J. J., Kuin, B. W., Kamphuis, J., van den Brink, W., Vermetten, E., & Schoevers, R. A. (2022) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/02698811221116926 · Cited by 178 · see citing works
The subjective effects of MDMA and mCPP in moderate MDMA users
Tancer, M. E., & Johanson, C. (2001) · Drug and Alcohol Dependence · doi:10.1016/s0376-8716(01)00146-6 · Cited by 179 · see citing works
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Murphy, K., Leech, R., Erritzøe, D., Wall, M. B., Ferguson, B., Williams, L. T. J., Roseman, L., Brugger, S. P., Meer, I. D., et al. (2014) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.12.015 · Cited by 178 · see citing works
Repeated doses administration of MDMA in humans: pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics
Farré, M., de la Torre, R., Mathúna, B. Ó., Roset, P. N., Peiró, A. M., Torrens, M., Ortuño, J., Pujadas, M., & Camı́, J. (2004) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-004-1789-7 · Cited by 165 · see citing works
Psychedelics and Other Psychoplastogens for Treating Mental Illness.
Vargas, M. V., Meyer, R., Avanes, A. A., Rus, M., & Olson, D. E. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727117 · Cited by 166 · see citing works
Kamilar-Britt, P., & Bedi, G. (2015) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.08.016 · Cited by 163 · see citing works
Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances
Baumeister, D., Tojo, L. M., & Tracy, D. K. (2015) · Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/2045125314559539 · Cited by 160 · see citing works
Human pharmacology of the methamphetamine stereoisomers
Mendelson, J. E., Uemura, N., Harris, D. E., NATH, R., FERNANDEZ, E., JACOBIII, P., Everhart, E. T., & JONES, R. (2006) · Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2006.06.013 · Cited by 157 · see citing works
Hysek, C. M., Simmler, L. D., Ineichen, M., Grouzmann, E., Hoener, M. C., Brenneisen, R., Huwyler, J., & Liechti, M. E. (2011) · Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.78 · Cited by 152 · see citing works
Self-citationBrouwer, A., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2020) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881120959637 · Cited by 159 · see citing works
A review of acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in healthy volunteers
Dumont, G. J. H., & Verkes, R. J. (2006) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881106063271 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Amfetamine and Related Substances
de la Torre, R., Farr, M., Navarro, M., Pacifici, R., Zuccaro, P., & Pichini, S. (2004) · Clinical Pharmacokinetics · doi:10.2165/00003088-200443030-00002 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
5-HT receptors and reward-related behaviour: A review
Hayes, D. J., & Greenshaw, A. J. (2011) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.03.005 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
Yao, Y., Guo, D., Lu, T., Liu, F.-L., Huang, S., Diao, M.-Q., Li, S., Zhang, X.-J., Kosten, T. R., Shi, J., et al. (2024) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115886 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
Liechti, M. E., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2000) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/026988110001400313 · Cited by 144 · see citing works
Self-citationGudelsky, G. A., & Yamamoto, B. K. (2007) · Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2007.10.003 · Cited by 140 · see citing works
Fantegrossi, W. E., Ullrich, T., Rice, K. C., Woods, J. H., & Winger, G. D. (2002) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-002-1021-6 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
How strong is the evidence that brain serotonin neurons are damaged in human users of ecstasy?
Kish, S. J. (2002) · Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior · doi:10.1016/s0091-3057(01)00708-0 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
Brain mechanisms of hallucinogens and entactogens
Vollenweider, F. X. (2001) · Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience · doi:10.31887/dcns.2001.3.4/fxvollenweider · Cited by 129 · see citing works
Antagonism of serotonergic 5‐HT2A/2Creceptors: mutual improvement of sleep, cognition and mood?
Landolt, H., & Wehrle, R. (2009) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.06718.x · Cited by 129 · see citing works
Effects of Acute MDMA Intoxication on Mood and Impulsivity: Role of the 5-HT2 and 5-HT1 Receptors
van Wel, J. H. P., Kuypers, K. P. C., Theunissen, E. L., Bosker, W. M., Bakker, K., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2012) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0040187 · Cited by 122 · see citing works
Pedersen, N. P., & Blessing, W. W. (2001) · Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.21-21-08648.2001 · Cited by 120 · see citing works
Pharmacological profile of novel psychoactive benzofurans
Rickli, A., Kopf, S., Hoener, M. C., & Liechti, M. E. (2015) · British Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1111/bph.13128 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Self-citationTancer, M., & Johanson, C.-E. (2006) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-006-0576-z · Cited by 113 · see citing works
Serotonin and molecular neuroimaging in humans using PET
Saulin, A., Savli, M., & Lanzenberger, R. (2012) · Amino Acids · doi:10.1007/s00726-011-1078-9 · Cited by 113 · see citing works
A Comprehensive Review of MDMA and GHB: Two Common Club Drugs
Teter, C. J., & Guthrie, S. K. (2001) · Pharmacotherapy The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy · doi:10.1592/phco.21.20.1486.34472 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Wall, M. B., Erritzoe, D., Kaelen, M., Ferguson, B., De Meer, I., Tanner, M., Bloomfield, M., Williams, T. M., Bolstridge, M., et al. (2014) · The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1017/s1461145713001405 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
Young, M. B., Norrholm, S. D., Khoury, L. M., Jovanovic, T., Rauch, S. A. M., Reiff, C. M., Dunlop, B. W., Rothbaum, B. O., & Howell, L. L. (2017) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-017-4684-8 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Dunlap, L. E., Andrews, A. M., & Olson, D. E. (2018) · ACS Chemical Neuroscience · doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00155 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
Pharmacological profile of mephedrone analogs and related new psychoactive substances
Luethi, D., Kolaczynska, K. E., Docci, L., Krähenbühl, S., Hoener, M. C., & Liechti, M. E. (2017) · Neuropharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.026 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
Self-citationPokorny, T., Duerler, P., Seifritz, E., Vollenweider, F. X., & Preller, K. H. (2019) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291719002393 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Liechti, M. E. (2001) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1016/s0893-133x(00)00199-8 · Cited by 102 · see citing works
Self-citationAcute Psychological and Neurophysiological Effects of MDMA in Humans
Vollenweider, F. X., Liechti, M. E., Gamma, A., Greer, G. R., & Geyer, M. A. (2002) · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs · doi:10.1080/02791072.2002.10399951 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Self-citationMcGregor, I. S., Gurtman, C. G., Morley, K. C., Clemens, K. J., Blokland, A., Li, K. M., Cornish, J. L., & Hunt, G. E. (2003) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-003-1452-8 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Trigo, J. M., Renoir, T., Lanfumey, L., Hamon, M., Lesch, K., Robledo, P., & Maldonado, R. J. (2007) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.11.005 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
Docherty, J. R., & Green, A. (2010) · British Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00722.x · Cited by 89 · see citing works
MDMA and temperature: A review of the thermal effects of ‘Ecstasy’ in humans
Parrott, A. C. (2011) · Drug and Alcohol Dependence · doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.08.012 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Fletcher, P. J., Korth, K. M., Robinson, S. K., & Baker, G. B. (2002) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-002-1104-4 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Capela, J. P., Ruscher, K., Lautenschlager, M., Freyer, D., Dirnagl, U., Gaio, R., Bastos, M. D. L., Meisel, A., & Carvalho, F. D. (2006) · Neuroscience · doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.01.007 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
Blessing, W. W., & Seaman, B. W. (2003) · Neuroscience · doi:10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00810-2 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
Erritzøe, D., Frøkjær, V. G., Holst, K. K., Christoffersen, M. V., Johansen, S. S., Svarer, C., Madsen, J., Rasmussen, P. M., Ramsøy, T. Z., Jernigan, T. L., et al. (2011) · Archives of General Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.56 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Carvedilol inhibits the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans
Hysek, C. M., Schmid, Y., Rickli, A., Simmler, L. D., Donzelli, M., Grouzmann, E., & Liechti, M. E. (2012) · British Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01936.x · Cited by 82 · see citing works
Self-citationBaggott, M. J., Coyle, J. R., Siegrist, J. D., Garrison, K. J., Galloway, G. P., & Mendelson, J. E. (2016) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881115626348 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Acute subjective effects in LSD- and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
Schmid, Y., Gasser, P., Oehen, P., & Liechti, M. E. (2021) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881120959604 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Self-citationBull, E., Hutson, P. H., & Fone, K. C. F. (2003) · Neuropharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2003.08.004 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
MDMA: Interactions with other psychoactive drugs
Mohamed, W. M. Y., Hamida, S. B., Cassel, J., de Vasconcelos, A. P., & Jones, B. C. (2011) · Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2011.06.032 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
Blessing, W. W., Seaman, B. W., Pedersen, N. P., & Ootsuka, Y. (2003) · Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.23-15-06385.2003 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Herin, D. V., Liu, S., Ullrich, T., Rice, K. C., & Cunningham, K. A. (2004) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-004-2030-4 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Behavioral effects of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) on adult zebrafish
Stewart, A., Riehl, R., Wong, K., Green, J. B. A., Cosgrove, J., Vollmer, K., Kyzar, E. J., Hart, P. C., Allain, A. V., Cachat, J., et al. (2011) · Behavioural Pharmacology · doi:10.1097/fbp.0b013e328345f758 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Effects of MDMA on body temperature in humans
Liechti, M. E. (2014) · Temperature · doi:10.4161/23328940.2014.955433 · Cited by 65 · see citing works
Self-citationMDMA and MDMA-assisted therapy
Wolfgang, A. S., Fonzo, G. A., Gray, J. C., Krystal, J. H., Grzenda, A., Widge, A. S., Kraguljac, N. V., McDonald, W. M., Rodriguez, C. I., & Nemeroff, C. B. (2025) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.20230681 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Hagino, Y., Takamatsu, Y., Yamamoto, H., Iwamura, T., Murphy, D. L., Uhl, G. R., Sora, I., & Ikeda, K. (2011) · Current Neuropharmacology · doi:10.2174/157015911795017254 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
Pearson, R., McGeary, J. E., & Beevers, C. G. (2014) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2014.06.041 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Psychosis in Parkinson’s Disease
Wint, D. P., Okun, M. S., & Fernandez, H. H. (2004) · Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology · doi:10.1177/0891988704267457 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
Hysek, C. M., Fink, A. E., Simmler, L. D., Donzelli, M., Grouzmann, E., & Liechti, M. E. (2013) · Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1097/jcp.0b013e3182979d32 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Self-citationPharmacology of MDMA- and Amphetamine-Like New Psychoactive Substances
Simmler, L. D., & Liechti, M. E. (2018) · Handbook of experimental pharmacology · doi:10.1007/164_2018_113 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Self-citationMDMA (“ecstasy”) abuse as an example of dopamine neuroplasticity
Schenk, S. (2010) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.12.010 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Blockade of 5-HT2 Receptor Selectively Prevents MDMA-Induced Verbal Memory Impairment
van Wel, J. H. P., Kuypers, K. P. C., Theunissen, E. L., Bosker, W. M., Bakker, K., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2011) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1038/npp.2011.80 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Investigation of serotonin-1A receptor function in the human psychopharmacology of MDMA
Hasler, F., Studerus, E., Lindner, K., Ludewig, S., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2008) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881108094650 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Rietjens, S. J., Hondebrink, L., Westerink, R. H. S., & Meulenbelt, J. (2012) · Critical Reviews in Toxicology · doi:10.3109/10408444.2012.725029 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
Effects of a -blocker on the cardiovascular response to MDMA (Ecstasy)
Hysek, C. M., Vollenweider, F. X., & Liechti, M. E. (2010) · Emergency Medicine Journal · doi:10.1136/emj.2009.079905 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Self-citationCurry, D. W., Young, M. B., Tran, A., Daoud, G. E., & Howell, L. L. (2017) · Neuropharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.003 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Long-term behavioral consequences of prenatal MDMA exposure
Thompson, V. B., Heiman, J. U., Chambers, J. B., Benoit, S. C., Buesing, W. R., Norman, M. K., Norman, A. B., & Lipton, J. W. (2009) · Physiology & Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.12.013 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Schenk, S., & Highgate, Q. (2021) · Journal of Neurochemistry · doi:10.1111/jnc.15348 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Peiró, A. M., Farré, M., Roset, P. N., Carbó, M., Pujadas, M., Torrens, M., Camı́, J., & de la Torre, R. (2012) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-012-2894-7 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Agnorelli, C., Spriggs, M. J., Godfrey, K., Sawicka, G., Bohl, B., Douglass, H. M., Fagiolini, A. M., Parastoo, H., Carhart-Harris, R. L., Nutt, D. J., et al. (2025) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106132 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Hyperthermia induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in unrestrained rhesus monkeys
Taffe, M. A., Lay, C. C., Huben, S. N. V., Davis, S. A., Crean, R. D., & Katner, S. N. (2005) · Drug and Alcohol Dependence · doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2005.09.013 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Altered Insula Connectivity under MDMA
Walpola, I. C., Nest, T., Roseman, L., Erritzøe, D., Feilding, A., Nutt, D., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2017) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1038/npp.2017.35 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Yaden, D., Eichstaedt, J., & Medaglia, J. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00962 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Wingen, M., Kuypers, K. P. C., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2007) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881106072506 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
The sub-acute effects of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) use: a controlled study in humans
Huxster, J. K., Pirona, A., & Morgan, M. J. (2006) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881106060513 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Proposed Consensus Statement on Defining Psychedelic Drugs
Nichols, D. E., Nichols, C. D., & Hendricks, P. S. (2022) · Psychedelic Medicine · doi:10.1089/psymed.2022.0008 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Wingen, M., Kuypers, K. P. C., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2006) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-006-0614-x · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Luethi, D., Hoener, M. C., & Liechti, M. E. (2017) · European Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.12.012 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Self-citation(±)-MDMA and its enantiomers: potential therapeutic advantages of R(−)-MDMA
Pitts, E. G., Curry, D. W., Hampshire, K. N., Young, M. B., & Howell, L. L. (2017) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-017-4812-5 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Oeri, H. E. (2020) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881120920420 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Avram, M., Müller, F., Rogg, H. V., Korda, A. I., Andreou, C., Holze, F., Vizeli, P., Ley, L., Liechti, M. E., & Borgwardt, S. (2022) · Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging · doi:10.1016/j.bpsc.2022.04.003 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Self-citationMephedrone and MDMA: A comparative review
Mead, J., & Parrott, A. (2020) · Brain Research · doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146740 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Orejarena, M. J., Lanfumey, L., Maldonado, R. J., & Robledo, P. (2010) · The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1017/s1461145710001215 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Crean, R. D., Davis, S. A., Huben, S. N. V., Lay, C. C., Katner, S. N., & Taffe, M. A. (2006) · Neuroscience · doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.06.033 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Can MDMA Play a Role in the Treatment of Substance Abuse?
Jerome, L., Schuster, S., & Yazar‐Klosinski, B. (2013) · Current Drug Abuse Reviews · doi:10.2174/18744737112059990005 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
What is the evidence that Ecstasy (MDMA) can cause Parkinson's disease?
Kish, S. J. (2003) · Movement Disorders · doi:10.1002/mds.10643 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Psychedelics for treatment resistant depression: are they game changers?
Kalfas, M., Taylor, R. H., Tsapekos, D., & Young, A. H. (2023) · Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy · doi:10.1080/14656566.2023.2281582 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
MDMA interactions with pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse
Papaseit, E., Pérez‐Mañá, C., Torrens, M., Farré, A., Poyatos, L., Hladun, O., Sanvisens, A., Muga, R., & Farré, M. (2020) · Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology · doi:10.1080/17425255.2020.1749262 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
- Authors
- Liechti, M.
- Affiliations
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich (CH)
- Corresponding author
- Liechti, M
- ORCID
- Liechti, M
- Venue
- Neuropsychopharmacology
- Published
- 2000-10
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 396-404
- ISSN
- 0893-133X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2137229007
- Cited by
- 245
- References
- 34
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 13
- FWCI
- 10.33
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Neuropsychopharmacology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Heffter Research Institute
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Toxicology › Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Keywords
- MDMA, ecstasy, ketanserin, 5-HT2 receptor antagonism, serotonin, subjective effects, perceptual change, emotional arousal, body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, adverse effects, drug interactions
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Affect, Analysis of Variance, Blood Pressure, Body Temperature, Double-Blind Method, Female, Hallucinations, Hallucinogens, Heart Rate, Humans, Ketanserin, Male, Perception, Psychometrics, Receptors, Serotonin, Serotonin Antagonists, Serotonin Agents, Statistics, Nonparametric, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
