3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine

3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine, commonly known as MDEA, MDE, or Eve, is an empathogenic psychoactive drug that belongs to the substituted amphetamine and methylenedioxyphenethylamine classes. 

Often referred to as a “sister drug” to ecstasy (MDMA), MDEA functions as a serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor.  Its effects are similar to those of MDMA but tend to be milder and shorter-lasting.

MDEA is an illegal recreational drug in most countries and has no accepted medical uses. It is primarily encountered in recreational settings, though it may be used for research under strict regulations.

While MDEA is generally considered less neurotoxic than MDMA and MDA, it can still cause significant neurotoxic effects, particularly in serotonergic neurons.

 In cases of overdose, MDEA can lead to severe complications such as serotonin syndrome, cardiovascular issues, hyperthermia, and multi-organ failure.  Most reported fatalities involve polydrug use, complicating the isolation of MDEA's specific effects.

What is 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine?  [2., 4.] 

3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine, commonly known as MDEA, MDE, or Eve, is an empathogenic psychoactive drug belonging to the substituted amphetamine and methylenedioxyphenethylamine class of compounds.  

It is sometimes referred to as a “sister drug” of ecstasy, or MDMA.  [5.] 

MDEA acts as a serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor, producing recreational effects similar to but milder and shorter-lasting than MDMA or ecstasy.

MDEA is an illegal recreational drug in most countries, with no accepted medical uses currently.  However, it may be used for research purposes in limited exceptions.  

Despite its structural and pharmacological similarities to MDMA, MDEA is distinct in its milder and shorter-duration effects.  Nonetheless, it remains a controlled substance due to its psychoactive and empathogenic properties, which are characteristic of the substituted amphetamine and methylenedioxyphenethylamine class of compounds to which it belongs.

MDEA Toxicity  [2.] 

MDEA produces euphoric effects by altering neurotransmitter pathways in the brain, but this can also cause neurotoxic and fatal outcomes.  

Neurotoxicity

Neurotoxic Effects in Animals 

Animal and in vitro studies indicate that MDEA and other RSAs (ring-substituted amphetamines) cause selective alterations in serotonergic neurotransmission.  

This is evidenced by reduced levels of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-HIAA, decreased tryptophan hydroxylase activity, loss of paroxetine-labeled binding sites, and damage to 5-HT nerve terminals.  These effects suggest a neurotoxic potential to serotonergic neurons.

MDEA is generally found to be less neurotoxic than MDMA and MDA.  

However, the exact mechanism of neurotoxicity is not well understood and may involve serotonin depletion, increased dopamine release, formation of free radicals, hyperthermia, and other factors.

In human studies, direct evidence of MDEA's neurotoxic effects in humans is limited.  The complex nature of ecstasy use, which often involves mixed substances, complicates the ability to isolate the effects of MDEA alone.  Most evidence of neurotoxicity comes from animal studies.

Causes of Death

Acute complications of MDEA use can range from psychiatric issues to severe medical conditions, including:

• Serotonin syndrome, characterized by hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, agitation, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which can lead to rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute renal, and multiorgan failure.

• Hyponatremia and Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH).

• Cardiovascular problems such as arterial hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, acute heart failure, and myocardial lesions.

• Respiratory failure, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral seizures, and subacute toxic hepatitis.

Testing for MDEA 

Teesting for MDEA is typically done to screen for illegal drug use; there is no therapeutic use for this testing.  Testing for MDEA is commonly done for the following reasons: 

Monitoring Recreational Drug Use and Abuse

MDEA is an illegal recreational drug similar to MDMA/ecstasy.  Testing for MDEA levels in biological samples like urine or blood could be used to detect its illicit use and abuse.

Identifying Adulterants in Illegal Drug Supplies

MDMA or ecstasy pills can be cut or laced with other illegal drugs. Testing drug samples could help identify the presence of MDEA as a contaminant.  [3.] 

Clinical or Forensic Toxicology Investigations

In cases of suspected MDEA overdose or poisoning, measuring MDEA levels could aid in diagnosis and treatment.  It may also be relevant in forensic death investigations involving MDEA.  [1.] 

Research Studies on Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism

For scientific research purposes, measuring MDEA levels could provide insights into its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles in human subjects.  

However, performing research with controlled substances such as MDMA is very difficult, especially in humans due to strict regulations and limitations.  

Lab Testing for MDEA (3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-Ethylamphetamine) 

Test Information, Sample Collection and Preparation

Samples can be collected from blood or urine depending on the specific requirements of the test.  No special preparation is typically required.  

Interpretation of Test Results for MDEA

The presence of MDEA in urine or blood indicates recent use of the drug MDEA.  

Testing MDEA as Part of a Drug Panel

MDEA may be tested as part of a larger drug panel, for research, clinical, or chain-of-custody purposes.  

One example of a screening panel for drugs of abuse can be found here.

Order Testing for MDEA

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