MDMA and Parkinsonism

Abstract

To the Editor: Recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or “ecstasy,” has been increasing. MDMA has classically been associated with serotonergic neurotoxicity in humans and in animal models. Recent investigations in nonhuman primates, at doses modeled after those used by humans, revealed severe dopaminergic neurotoxicity with less serotonergic neurotoxicity.1 We report a case of juvenile Parkinson's disease after repeated use of MDMA. A 19-year-old man was observed to have a resting tremor in his right hand on going to sleep and waking from a nap in March 2002. The tremor progressed to affect the right leg. Magnetic resonance imaging of the . . .