U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Pharmacological Aspects of the Combined Use of 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB): A Review of the Literature

NCJ Number
212705
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 359-368
Author(s)
Joachim D. K. Uys; Raymond J. M. Niesink
Date Published
July 2005
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This review of the literature examines the reasoning behind and effects of combining the drugs MDMA or ecstasy, and GHB.
Abstract
The 1990s saw an increase in the illicit use of ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine-MDMA), gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), ketamine hydrochloride, and flunitrazepam. These club drugs are chemical substances used recreationally in social settings, and today, the use of club drugs is still on the rise. Additionally, over the last few decades, studies have shown a rise in patterns of polydrug use. One of the most frequently used combinations is ecstasy (MDMA) with GHB. This literature review describes the subjective effects of the MDMA/GHB combination. In addition, the individual actions of MDMA and GHB on serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline systems are discussed as a possible pharmacological basis for the interaction of both drugs. References