MDA vs MDMA
MDA and MDMA, both belong to the group of Phenethylamines. MDA is 3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYAMPHETAMINE which is a form of the MDMA. MDMA stands for Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) and is available in a white, brown or tan colored powder. It is available as tablets also.
MDA
MDA is a form of ecstasy which had its uses in psychotherapy. The drug made its entry into medicine under the name Amphedoxamine as anorexic agent. The drug has been used to treat Psychoneurotic depression. It is available in two isomeric forms, R-isomer and S-isomer. The S form is less potent and safer than the R form at lower doses. At higher doses, the drug is found to exhibit toxicity. The drug is known for its stimulant and psychedelic effects. The effects are more similar to other recreational drugs with hallucinogenic effects.
The drug is not approved by FDA and is used for recreational purposes and sold illegally. The short term effects are nausea, anxiety, euphoria and a relaxed feeling. The long term effects of the use of drug includes memory loss, erectile dysfunction, depression, liver toxicity etc.
MDMA
MDMA, also known as 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is commonly called as ecstasy. The synthetic drug is psychoactive and is similar to MDA in hallucinogenic effects. The effects are almost the same as MDA. Physically it causes a lot of other side effects like blurred vision, abnormal rise in blood pressure, increase in body temperature etc.
Difference between MDA and MDMA
Class - Both belong to the Phenthylamine group of drugs and Amphetamine class.
Effects – MDA has more hallucinogenic and stimulant effects than MDMA.
Toxicity – MDA is toxic than MDMA. The long term effects include liver toxicity and stimulation of cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Effect Neurotransmitters - They increase the release of dopamine and serotonin and are found to be interfering the metabolic pathways of stimulation of synthesis of these transmitters.
Psychotherapy – MDA was widely used in psychotherapy due to its psychedelic effects. However, it sis banned by FDA and is not in the list of psychiatric drugs.
Half life - The half life of MDS is longer than MDMA attributing to the long term effects of the drug.
Conclusion
Both are Mild CNS stimulants and known for its functions as empathogen, entactogen, and hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects. If used in higher concentrations, the drug acts as appetite suppressant. The MDA is manufactured primarily by conversion of safrole to isosafrole. But MDMA is made through different routes. MDMA has a typical half life of 7 hours approximately. MDMA has higher affinity for the 5-HT receptors and are found in two enantiomeric forms R and S. The S form is more potent and increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. It exhibits more stereotypic behavior and is a neurotoxin in higher concentrations. MDA acts through serotonin mediated pathway which is responsible for controlling the mood, aggression etc.
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