The purpose of this study is to determinate the effect of a pre-treatment with doxazosin, a alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocker, on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”). The investigators hypothesize that doxazosin will attenuate the cardiovascular and subjective response to MDMA.
Topic Healthy Subjects
Country Switzerland
Visit trial
Trial Details
Trial Number
Sponsors & Collaborators
University of BaselThe University of Basel Department of Biomedicine hosts the Liechti Lab research group, headed by Matthias Liechti.
Papers
Effects of MDMA alone and after pretreatment with reboxetine, duloxetine, clonidine, carvedilol, and doxazosin on pupillary light reflexThis study analysed data from five separate clinical trials (n=80) that explored the effects of MDMA on pupillary light reflex and the effects following pretreatment with reboxetine, duloxetine, clonidine, carvedilol, and doxazosin, respectively. MDMA produced mydriasis, prolonged the latency, reduced the response to light and shortened the recovery time and this impairment returned to normal 6 hours post-treatment. Only reboxetine and duloxetine interacted with the effects of MDMA on pupillary function.
α₁-Adrenergic receptors contribute to the acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in humans
This study assessed the effects of the α₁-noradrenergic receptor antagonist, doxazosin (8mg/day for 3 days), on the acute response to MDMA (125mg) in healthy subjects (n=16). Doxazosin reduced MDMA-induced elevations in blood pressure, and body temperature, and moderately attenuated positive mood but enhanced tachycardia associated with MDMA.