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Carvedilol inhibits the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans
Author(s) -
Hysek CM,
Schmid Y,
Rickli A,
Simmler LD,
Donzelli M,
Grouzmann E,
Liechti ME
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01936.x
Subject(s) - mdma , carvedilol , ecstasy , placebo , medicine , pharmacology , heart rate , adverse effect , crossover study , antagonist , anesthesia , hyperthermia , drug , blood pressure , heart failure , alternative medicine , receptor , pathology , psychiatry
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The use of ±3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) is associated with cardiovascular complications and hyperthermia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We assessed the effects of the α 1 ‐ and β‐adrenoceptor antagonist carvedilol on the cardiostimulant, thermogenic and subjective responses to MDMA in 16 healthy subjects. Carvedilol (50 mg) or placebo was administered 1 h before MDMA (125 mg) or placebo using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, four‐period crossover design. KEY RESULTS Carvedilol reduced MDMA‐induced elevations in blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. Carvedilol did not affect the subjective effects of MDMA including MDMA‐induced good drug effects, drug high, drug liking, stimulation or adverse effects. Carvedilol did not alter the plasma exposure to MDMA. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS α 1 ‐ and β‐Adrenoceptors contribute to the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans but not to its psychotropic effects. Carvedilol could be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular and hyperthermic complications associated with ecstasy use.