Drug info - relationship to methamphetamine?

[vantranist]

Could anyone please give me a breakdown on how MDMA is related to methamphetamine?

[Pilllzz]

It doesnt have any sort of real connection. Not even similiar chemistry I believe

Reputation Comments on this post:

spreading misinformation

[Boca Bitch]

Originally Posted by Pilllzz

It doesnt have any sort of real connection. Not even similiar chemistry I believe

MDMA = MethyleneDioxyMethAmphetamine

[RaverHippie]

Originally Posted by Boca Bitch

MDMA = MethyleneDioxyMethAmphetamine

there is not too much similar between the two other than the name. Yes they are both psychoactive amines but they have drastically different effects as outlined here. Just because methamphetamine is in mdma"s name does not mean mdma will turn into meth or that there is meth in mdma.

[Routemaster Flash]

Originally Posted by RaverHippie

there is not too much similar between the two other than the name. Yes they are both psychoactive amines but they have drastically different effects as outlined here. Just because methamphetamine is in mdma"s name does not mean mdma will turn into meth or that there is meth in mdma.

On the other hand, they are both clearly powerful CNS stimulants that elevate levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, aren't they? I don't think anyone said that one compounds "contains" the other* or than they can turn into each other. Yes, their effects are different - of course they are, they're different drugs - but they nonetheless have some properties in common that aren't shared by other "psychoactive amines" such as heroin, ketamine or LSD, don't they?


*though obviously the MA molecule may be seen as a component of the MDMA molecule, so to speak

[Readux]

Structurally, MDMA has two extra Oxygens, while Methamphetamine has two extra CH3s which is in the methyl group.

[aerozeppelin123]

One on left is Methamphetamine, one on right is MDMA
Methamphetamine's molecular formula is C10H15N, MDMA's is C11H15NO2
So basically MDMA has an extra carbon and 2 extra oxygens

[vantranist]

Does this have any actual meaning in terms of effect or is it all chemistry?

[Routemaster Flash]

Originally Posted by aerozeppelin123

One on left is Methamphetamine, one on right is MDMA
Methamphetamine's molecular formula is C10H15N, MDMA's is C11H15NO2
So basically MDMA has an extra carbon and 2 extra oxygens

The similarity between the two molecules is obscured somewhat by the different ways the (identical) amine chains have been drawn in those two diagrams, though. If you compare the compounds in the diagrams below:

meth:

MDMA:

(The wedge-shaped line representing the alpha-methyl group on the methamphetamine molecule is to show that it's dextro-methemaphetamine, the 'fun' kind used recreationally, just as dextro-MDMA is the isomer of MDMA normally used recreationally - the only difference between the two molecules is the additional dimethoxy group on the left-hand side of the MDMA molecule.)

Routemaster Flash added 2 Minutes and 46 Seconds later...

Originally Posted by vantranist

Does this have any actual meaning in terms of effect or is it all chemistry?

Umm, come again? Could it be that the drugs have different subjective effects *because of* their different chemistry?

[scienceman]

The names MDMA and Methamphetamine come from it's chemistry side.

Effects wise, both are psychoactive stimulants that affect dopamine and serotonin levels.

Dopamine is the reward chemical (motivation, euphoria), Serotonin (elevated mood, happiness).

Generally, MDxx chemicals affect the serotonin more, whereas Non-oxi amphetamines affect the dopamine more.

Both give you sex drives, confidence, and energy as with all these types of drugs.

The best way to find out is by taking them within a week of eachother.

Best not though.

[scienceman]

Well, all amphetamines make you hot and jittery.

[riaahacker]

MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine causes the release of dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline and is most efficient at releasing serotonin. Serotonin gives MDMA its qualities of being very mood-lifting while dopamine and noradrenaline give it its stimulant edge. MDMA is also a weak 5-HT2A agonist which explains the brightening of colors and the strobing of lights and at very high doses a sort of psychedelic effect (MDA which is MDMA with one less methyl group is a stronger 5-HT2A agonist and produces more visuals) There is also evidence that MDMA might bind to the 5-HT1A receptors which are linked to controlling oxytocin release. Oxytocin may be involved in social activity, bonding, and orgasm. Oxytocin might explain the extreme empathetic effects of MDMA.

Meth or N-methylamphetamine is a very powerful psychostimulant which also releases serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. It is most efficient at releasing dopamine over the others. Dopamine gives it its euphoric, motivating, and reinforcing effects. Serotonin might reduce the anxiogenic effects produced by psychostimulants and noradrenaline causes the sympathetic response (increased energy, alertness, increased heart beat and blood pressure). At high doses meth starts to show MAO inhibiting activity which further increases the levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin. Meth tends to also be more reinforcing than MDMA is due to the cascade release of dopamine into the pleasure centers of the brain.

Hopefully this explains the difference between them pharmacologically.

Reputation Comments on this post:

great breakdown and comparison of the two substances

[RaverHippie]

my post was mainly aimed at dispelling common rumors that sicken me every time they are taken as fact. Riaahacker already did an exemplary job of explaining the differences pharmacologically . One could utfse to find experiential differences. Even the language to describe both experiences differs dramatically so I dont find fault with my first post really.

[Routemaster Flash]

Fair enough, but my point - that they are both strong stimulants and therefore have more in common (pharmacologically) than merely being "psychoactive amines" - still stands.