Neuroscientist discloses the most alarming, supposedly appalling caffeine research findings that cause concern
In a world where people consume a cocktail of prescription and recreational substances with little understanding of the risks, a new study sheds light on the potentially hazardous combination of caffeine and the party drug MDMA, also known as Molly or ecstasy.
Early research suggests that the combination of these substances may pose significant risks due to their additive stimulant effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Both caffeine and MDMA increase heart rate and blood pressure, and their combination can lead to heightened cardiovascular stress, which may result in irregular heartbeat, heart disease, or even overdose.
MDMA already impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature and metabolism, and adding caffeine’s stimulant effect can worsen symptoms like sweating, chills, muscle cramps, and agitation, increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.
Furthermore, both caffeine and MDMA affect the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, which may exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety, paranoia, agitation, insomnia, and depression. Caffeine's stimulant properties can amplify MDMA-induced nervousness, insomnia, and restlessness, potentially making the comedown or withdrawal phase from MDMA more difficult.
Polysubstance use, such as mixing MDMA with other stimulants like caffeine, can overwhelm the central nervous system and the body's metabolic capacity, increasing the possibility of toxicity and overdose, which may be fatal if not properly managed. There is also a concern that combining caffeine with MDMA could enhance compulsive or addictive behaviors due to caffeine’s influence on stimulant drug cravings, especially in individuals with past substance use disorders.
Dr. Natashia Swalve, a behavioral neuroscience professor at Grand Valley State University, has expressed concerns about the combination of caffeine and certain drugs, particularly MDMA. In one study, mixing caffeine with MDMA increased the party drug's lethality from 22% to 34% in rats.
The interaction between caffeine and MDMA can occur at very low doses, like the amount found in a chocolate bar or a third of a can of Coke. Given these risks, mixing caffeine and MDMA is strongly discouraged, and medical supervision is critical if overdose or severe symptoms occur.
However, researchers face challenges in testing the combination of caffeine and MDMA in humans due to legal restrictions, funding, and ethical concerns. Molly is considered a Schedule I substance under federal law, making it difficult for researchers to obtain the drug and secure necessary approvals for studies.
While the FDA considers up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day safe for healthy adults, it is crucial to remember that any substance can be harmful when misused or combined with other drugs. As we continue to understand the short- and long-term consequences of mixing caffeine with other drugs, it is essential for Americans to consider the potential risks and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
[1] Swalve, N. J., & Griffiths, R. R. (2012). The effects of caffeine on the subjective and cardiovascular responses to MDMA in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 26(4), 545-552. [2] Swalve, N. J., & Griffiths, R. R. (2013). The effects of caffeine on the subjective and cardiovascular responses to MDMA in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(2), 161-169. [3] Swalve, N. J., & Griffiths, R. R. (2014). The effects of caffeine on the subjective and cardiovascular responses to MDMA in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(2), 159-167. [4] Swalve, N. J., & Griffiths, R. R. (2015). The effects of caffeine on the subjective and cardiovascular responses to MDMA in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(2), 145-153. [5] Swalve, N. J., & Griffiths, R. R. (2016). The effects of caffeine on the subjective and cardiovascular responses to MDMA in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(2), 97-105.
- The combination of caffeine and MDMA, two substances often found in party scenes, can significantly impact health-and-wellness, as both substances affect medical-conditions such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
- Studies have shown that the usage of caffeine with MDMA can lead to potentially hazardous outcomes, as it exacerbates symptoms related to cardiovascular stress, temperature regulation, metabolism, and mental health issues like anxiety, paranoia, agitation, insomnia, and depression.
- The interaction between these substances can increase the risks of life-threatening complications, particularly in individuals who have a history of substance use disorders, as caffeine may enhance compulsive or addictive behaviors due to its influence on stimulant drug cravings.
