Interaction Between Reboxetine and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: Pharmacodynamics (PD) and Pharmacokinetics (PK)

MDMA releases dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin uptake inhibitors have been shown to interact with 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and to decrease its psychoactive and cardiovascular stimulant effects. This finding indicates that MDMA acts in part by releasing serotonin through the serotonin uptake site.

However, in vitro studies show that MDMA binds more potently to the norepinephrine uptake site that to the the serotonin or dopamine uptake transporter. In addition, norepinephrine uptake site blockers such antidepressant drugs attenuate some of the behavioral effects of MDMA in animals. These preclinical data indicate that norepinephrine may also contribute to the response to MDMA in humans.

To test this hypothesis this study evaluates the interacting effects of the selective norepinephrine transporter inhibitor reboxetine on the subjective and cardiovascular stimulant effects of MDMA in healthy volunteers.

Topic Healthy Subjects
Compound MDMA Placebo
Country Switzerland
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Trial Details



Trial Number

Sponsors & Collaborators

University of Basel
The 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 reflex
This 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.

Data attribution

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