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A Case of Toxic Psychosis Induced by 'Eve' (3,4-Methylenedioxyethylam-phetamine)

Euphrosyne Gouzoulis, MD; Dieter Borchardt; Leopold Hermle, MD
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1993;50(1):75-75. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1993.01820130081018
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To the Editor.—  3,4-Methylenedio- xyethylamphetamine (MDE; "eve") evokes similar psychotropic effects in humans as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy"), and became popular as a recreational drug after the restriction of MDMA in 1985. The controversy about MDMA is explained by its popularity and illegal abuse, its claimed usefulness as an adjunct in psychotherapy, and its possible neurotoxicity in hu- mans.1-3 Anecdotal reports about the psychotropic effects of MDMA and MDE describe a subtle, well-controllable state with pleasant, peaceful feelings; insightfulness; empathy; and closeness to others. In general, MDMA and MDE are thought to be "safe" drugs. However, dysphoric reactions,4 "bizarre and risky behaviours,"5 and psychosis6 were also reported in single cases of recreational MDMA use. Such observations suggest an underlying potential of MDMA and MDE for amphetaminelike and psychotomimetic effects. However, interpretation is difficult because of cross-reactions with other substances of abuse and because of the uncertain chemical

REFERENCES

Ricaurte G, Bryan G, Strauss L, Seiden L, Schuster C.  Hallucinogenic amphetamine selectively destroys brain serotonin nerve terminals . Science . 1985;;229:986-988.
Price LH, Ricaurte GA, Krystal JH, Heninger GR.  Neuroendocrine and mood responses to intravenous L-tryptophan in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users: preliminary observations . Arch Gen Psychiatry . 1989;;46:20-22.
Peroutka SJ.  Recreational use of MDMA . In: Peroutka SJ, ed. Ecstasy: The Clinical, Pharmacological and Neurotoxicological Effects of the Drug MDMA . Hingham, Mass: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 1990;:53-62.
Whitaker-Azmitia PM, Aronson TA. ' Ecstasy' (MDMA)-induced panic . Am J Psychiatry . 1989;;146:119.
Dowling GP, McDonough ET, Bost RO. ' Eve' and 'Ecstasy': a report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA . JAMA . 1987;;257:1615-1617.
Schifano F.  Chronic atypical psychosis associated with MDMA ("ecstasy") abuse . Lancet . 1991;;338:1335.
Schmidt CJ.  Acute administration of methylenedioxymethamphetamine: comparison with the neurochemical effects of its N-desmethyl and N-ethyl analogs . Eur J Pharmacol . 1987;;136:81-88.

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Ricaurte G, Bryan G, Strauss L, Seiden L, Schuster C.  Hallucinogenic amphetamine selectively destroys brain serotonin nerve terminals . Science . 1985;;229:986-988.
Price LH, Ricaurte GA, Krystal JH, Heninger GR.  Neuroendocrine and mood responses to intravenous L-tryptophan in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users: preliminary observations . Arch Gen Psychiatry . 1989;;46:20-22.
Peroutka SJ.  Recreational use of MDMA . In: Peroutka SJ, ed. Ecstasy: The Clinical, Pharmacological and Neurotoxicological Effects of the Drug MDMA . Hingham, Mass: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 1990;:53-62.
Whitaker-Azmitia PM, Aronson TA. ' Ecstasy' (MDMA)-induced panic . Am J Psychiatry . 1989;;146:119.
Dowling GP, McDonough ET, Bost RO. ' Eve' and 'Ecstasy': a report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA . JAMA . 1987;;257:1615-1617.
Schifano F.  Chronic atypical psychosis associated with MDMA ("ecstasy") abuse . Lancet . 1991;;338:1335.
Schmidt CJ.  Acute administration of methylenedioxymethamphetamine: comparison with the neurochemical effects of its N-desmethyl and N-ethyl analogs . Eur J Pharmacol . 1987;;136:81-88.

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