Dr. Ricaurte's paper on the 5 year trial comparing 30 MDMA users with
controls has been accepted for publication provided he can show that his
subjects were telling the truth, and list other drugs they were using.
I asked whether the toxicity he found may also be caused by fluoxetine. He
replied that the differences in action far outweighed the similarities -
though they both lowered levels of serotonin, fluoxetine blocks its
re-uptake rather than reducing its production. The only specific similarity
is the long-term reduction in serotonin.
I also asked about fenfluramine. Dr. Ricaurte said that some brands consist
of a mixture of isomers, one of which is believed to have similar toxicity
to MDMA and another less toxic. The Lancet published an article about this
toxicity and then published letters defending the supposedly toxic brand.
Dr. Ricaurte believes the defensive letters were from people who have
connections with the manufacturers.
