MDEA

Methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), also known as MDE, is a psychoactive drug and entactogen of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. It is known for its empathogenic effects similar to those of MDMA (ecstasy), though it is considered to be less potent in terms of both its stimulant and psychedelic effects.

MDEA acts primarily by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It achieves this by inhibiting their reuptake and release from the neurons in the brain. The increase in serotonin is thought to be responsible for the mood-lifting and empathogenic effects of MDEA, while the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine contributes to its stimulant properties and feelings of euphoria.

History

MDEA first gained popularity in the 1980s as a recreational drug among participants in the rave and electronic dance music scenes. Its use has been associated with the so-called "second summer of love" in the late 1980s, a period characterized by the rise of rave culture and electronic dance music.

Effects

The effects of MDEA can vary depending on the dose, the purity of the drug, and the individual's physiology and state of mind. Common effects include feelings of euphoria, increased energy, enhanced sensory perception, and increased empathy and sociability. However, MDEA can also cause a range of adverse effects, including nausea, dehydration, hyperthermia, bruxism (teeth grinding), and in rare cases, severe health complications such as serotonin syndrome.

Legal Status

The legal status of MDEA varies by country, but it has been classified as a controlled substance in many parts of the world, including the United States, where it is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

See Also

• MDMA
• Amphetamines
• Psychedelic drugs
• Recreational drug use

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