There is no convincing evidence that moderate MDMA use is associated with structural or functional brain alterations in neuroimaging measures .
MDMA ( " ecstasy " ) is widely used as a recreational drug , although there has been some debate about its neurotoxic effects in humans .
However , most studies have investigated subjects with heavy use patterns , and the effects of transient MDMA use are unclear .
In this review , we therefore focus on subjects with moderate use patterns , in order to assess the evidence for harmful effects .
Thermoregulatory effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in humans
Rationale Although 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA ; Ecstasy ) has been reported to cause fatal hyperthermia , few studies of the effects of MDMA on core body temperature in humans have been conducted demonstrating increased body temperature . In rats , MDMA causes hyperthermia at warm ambient temperatures but hypothermia at cold ones . Objectives In this study , the physiological and subjective effects of MDMA in humans were determined at cold ( 18 ° C ) and warm ( 30 ° C ) ambient temperatures in a temperature and humidity-controlled laboratory . Methods Ten healthy volunteers who were recreational users of MDMA were recruited . Four laboratory sessions were conducted in a 2 × 2 design [ i.e. , two sessions at 30 ° C and two at 18 ° C , two during MDMA ( 2 mg/kg , p.o . ) and two during placebo , in double-blind fashion ] . Core body temperature ( ingested radiotelemetry pill ) , skin temperature ( four weighted sites ) , heart rate , blood pressure , metabolic rate ( indirect calorimetry ) , shivering ( electromyogram levels ) , and sweat rate ( capacitance hygrometry ) were measured as well as subjective effects for several time periods following capsule ingestion . Results MDMA produced significant elevations in core body temperature and metabolic rate in both warm and cold conditions . MDMA also produced significant elevations in blood pressure and heart rate and significantly increased several ratings of subjective effects similar to those previously reported . There were no differences related to ambient temperature for any of the subjective effects , except that ratings of cold and warm were appropriate to the ambient temperature and were not influenced by MDMA . Conclusions Unlike findings in rats , MDMA  increased core body temperature regardless of ambient temperature in humans . These increases appeared related to increases in metabolic rate , which were substantial . These findings warrant further investigations on the role of MDMA and other stimulants in altering metabolism and thermogenesis
There is no convincing evidence that moderate MDMA use is associated with structural or functional brain alterations in neuroimaging measures .
MDMA ( " ecstasy " ) is widely used as a recreational drug , although there has been some debate about its neurotoxic effects in humans .
However , most studies have investigated subjects with heavy use patterns , and the effects of transient MDMA use are unclear .
In this review , we therefore focus on subjects with moderate use patterns , in order to assess the evidence for harmful effects .