3 replies to this topic

[bernard]

I was wondering if it was possible to receive a panic attack after you've taken one of the following drugs to reduce (nor)epinephrine production:
- beta blocker
- benzodiazepine

Say you go to this party and you take some MDMA but you KNOW that you are prone to drug-induced panic attacks so you also take a beta-blocker to reduce the chance of one ? Is this a good idea ? I know MDMA and BetaBlockers have somewhat opposite effects on the heart rate so it might result in arrhythmia of some sort and maybe it's a better idea to take a light benzo dose with the MDMA ?

Also MDMA is such a powerful serotonergic, why do so much people panic on it ? It supposed to promote extreme relaxation and feelings of love etc. Thanks in advance.

[gizmobrain]

Serotonin syndrome. Google it.

[bernard]

I know what's serotonin syndrome. It has nothing to do with panic attacks.. Doh...

[jadamgo]

If the neurochemical release of norepinephrine during a panic attack is stronger than the drugs in your system to block norepinephrine, then you'll still have the attack. The symptoms will be milder, but they'll still happen.

MDMA is primarily known for its serotonin releasing effects, but it also releases dopamine and norepinephrine. You already know what norepinephrine does to people prone to panic attacks, and dopamine certainly doesn't help because it narrows the attention span. It makes you more focused on the panic attack and less able to break the panic cycle.

The psychedelic effects from the serotonin release further impair self-regulation -- the psychedelics were commonly used back in the heyday of psychoanalysis to "uncover repressed material." In other words, psychedelics disrupt your psychological defense mechanisms. This is good if you're using an unhealthy defense like denial, because having your denial broken down by a drug can make you face the truth. But if you're just trying to have a good time in the club instead of panicking, you need your defenses up. So MDMA isn't too helpful if you're one of those people who responds negatively to it.