MDA vs. MDMA
Difference Between MDA and MDMA
MDMA and MDA, both belong to the group of phenethylamine. MDA is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine which is a form of MDMA. MDMA is Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) and is available in a white colored powder and even in brown or fawn colors. It is also available as tablets.
MDA is a form of ecstasy that had its uses in psychotherapy. The drug entered the market as anorexic agent by the name Amphedoxamine. The drug has been used for treating psychoneurotic depression. The drug is available in its two isometric forms, S-isomer and R-isomer. The S-isomer is less powerful and safer than R-isomer 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 Of MDA are similar to other drugs used for recreation which have hallucinogenic effects.
MDMA is 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine which is popular as ecstasy. This is synthetic psychoactive drug and is similar to MDA in the hallucinogenic effects. There are many side effects physically such as blurred vision, abnormal increase in the tension, the increase in body temperature and so on.
The difference between MDA and MDMA
Class – Both are from Phenthylamine group of drugs and belong to Amphetamine class.
Effects – MDA has more hallucinogenic and stimulant effects in comparison to MDMA.
Toxicity – MDA is toxic as MDMA. Stimulation of the nervous and cardiovascular systems and liver toxicity are some of the long term effects.
Effect Neurotransmitters – They increase the release of dopamine and serotonin and interfere in metabolic pathways of stimulation of synthesis of these transmitters.
Psychotherapy – MDA has been widely used in psychotherapy because of its psychedelic effects. Yet it sis prohibited by FDA and is not in the list of psychiatric drugs.
Half life – MDS has longer half life than MDMA which is attributed to its long term effects.
Both are CNS gentle stimulants and known for its empathogenic, entactogenic and hallucinogenic functions and psychedelic properties. The conversion of safrole to isosafrole is done primarily to produce MDA. But MDMA is made by different procedures. MDMA has a typical half life of 7 hours. MDMA has the highest attraction towards 5-HT receptors and is found in two enantiomeric forms of R and S. S form is more powerful and increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. It displays more stereotypic behavior and is a neurotoxin in higher concentrations. MDA works through a pathway mediated by serotonin which controls the mood, aggression etc.